#RSF paramilitary-led coalition forms parallel government in war-torn #Sudan

As violence and rights abuses rage on, the coalition pledges to pursue a ‘secular, democratic’ and decentralised Sudan.

A Sudanese coalition led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has announced it is establishing an alternative government in a challenge to the military-led authorities in the capital Khartoum, with the northeastern African country’s brutal civil war in its third year.

The group, which calls itself the Leadership Council of the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS), said RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo will chair the 15-member presidential council of the government, which includes regional governors.

Sudanese politician Mohammed Hassan Osman al-Ta’ishi will serve as prime minister, TASIS said.

“On the occasion of this historic achievement, the leadership council extends its greetings and congratulations to the Sudanese people who have endured the flames of devastating wars for decades,” the coalition said in a statement.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/26/rsf-paramilitary-led-coalition-forms-parallel-government-in-war-torn-sudan

#Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants recapture Somali town vacated by #Ethiopian forces, #Puntland urges united response

Al-Shabaab has captured the strategic town of Mahaas in Somalia’s Hiiraan region following heavy clashes with government forces and allied militias. The fall of the town, located around 300 km from Mogadishu, comes a year after Ethiopian troops stationed there withdrew as part of the ATMIS drawdown. Somali National Army officials have described their retreat as “tactical,” while the Ministry of Defense confirmed the killing of several Al-Shabaab militants during the fighting.

The capture has sparked strong reactions, with Puntland’s regional government condemning the takeover and urging a unified national response. In a statement, Puntland warned that Al-Shabaab is retaking previously liberated areas and seizing new strategic locations, calling for greater cooperation among Federal Member States and increased international support to counter the group’s resurgence.

Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also issued a sharp rebuke of the federal government, describing the loss of Mahaas as a “serious lapse in leadership” that endangers national security. He called for immediate and coordinated efforts to prevent further territorial losses and reverse Al-Shabaab’s growing momentum.

addisstandard.com/?p=51572

#Adama police investigating death of #Indian national

The Adama City Police Commission says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an Indian national who died in the city last Saturday.

Commissioner Shawayye Dachaasa, head of the Adama City Police Department, confirmed to Addis Standard that the death of the foreign national did occur and said an inquiry has been launched to determine the cause and context of the incident.

“This death did indeed happen. We have established an investigation team to look into when, how, and under what circumstances it occurred. We will disclose the findings once the investigation is completed,” Commissioner Shawayye said.

The Indian Embassy in Ethiopia announced on Saturday the death of the national, identified as Mr. N. V. Subba Rao, in Adama. His body was recovered by the Adama City Police, the embassy added.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51578

#Israel committing #genocide in #Gaza, say Israel-based human rights groups

Two leading human rights organisations based in Israel, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, say Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and the country’s western allies have a legal and moral duty to stop it.

In reports published on Monday, the two groups said Israel had targeted civilians in Gaza only because of their identity as Palestinians over nearly two years of war, causing severe and in some cases irreparable damage to Palestinian society.

Multiple international and Palestinian groups have already described the war as genocidal, but reports from two of Israel-Palestine’s most respected human rights organisations, who have for decades documented systemic abuses, is likely to add to pressure for action.

The reports detailed crimes including the killing of tens of thousands of women, children and elderly people, mass forced displacement and starvation, and the destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure that have deprived Palestinians of healthcare, education and other basic rights.

“What we see is a clear, intentional attack on civilians in order to destroy a group,” said Yuli Novak, the director of B’Tselem, calling for urgent action. “I think every human being has to ask himself: what do you do in the face of genocide?”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/28/israel-committing-genocide-in-gaza-say-israel-based-human-rights-groups

#Op_ed: #UN Food Systems Summit: Golden opportunity to transform lives in #Ethiopia

As global leaders gather in Addis Abeba for the Second UN Food Systems Summit (#UNFSS), Zlatan Milišić, the World Food Programme (#WFP) Representative and Country Director for Ethiopia, states that the event offers a "golden opportunity" to confront the escalating global hunger crisis, exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and diminishing aid. He emphasizes that "This moment also presents an opportunity—for Ethiopia and for the world—to chart a new course from crisis to resilience."

Milišić explains that Ethiopia is working toward establishing a food system that is “climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, and rooted in both innovation and indigenous knowledge” by 2030. He underlines that "the WFP supports this vision," actively "engaged in strengthening systems that enable Ethiopians to become food-secure on their own terms." This commitment, according to the article, includes assisting over 1.5 million Ethiopians in enhancing food production, gaining market access, and securing insurance. Furthermore, it involves proactive measures such as providing early warnings and support to mitigate the impact of impending crises.

With food systems now a national and global priority, Milišić urges partners to commit to sustainable investments. At the summit, WFP will champion two critical objectives: "transforming food systems in fragile and conflict-affected areas" and "unlocking sustainable investment in homegrown school meals." He underscores that "The transformation we seek will not be achieved through short-term projects—it requires systems thinking, political will, and investment in people."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51570

#Ethiopia’s garment sector sees 70% surge in women leaders

A targeted empowerment initiative has catalysed a 70% surge in promotions to supervisory roles among 234 female trainees in Ethiopia's garment sector.

The Women Leadership Development Programme (WLDP), an initiative of Better Work, equips these workers with essential skills and mentorship.

Better Work is a collaboration between the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The programme enables them to secure leadership roles and fostering a shift towards greater workplace equality in the industry.

Moreover, it has also benefited senior supervisors, with ten out of 178 mentors achieving promotions to middle-level leadership.

Initiated in 2021, the WLDP employs a multifaceted training approach that includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and consistent mentorship.

The training has equipped women workers with essential skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, communication, influencing, problem-solving, and planning.

https://www.just-style.com/news/ethiopia-garment-women-leaders/

#Somalia: Heavy clashes erupt in #Dolow between #Jubaland forces and Somali federal troops

Fierce fighting broke out overnight and into Monday morning between forces belonging to the Jubbaland regional administration and troops aligned with Somalia's federal government in the border town of Dolow, local sources and officials said.

In a statement, Jubbaland accused federal- aligned troops of launching a surprise attack on its military positions in the town, which lies on the border with Ethiopia in Somalia's Gedo region. The regional administration claimed its forces had repelled the assault and taken control of several key government facilities.

Independent sources in Doolow confirmed that Jubbaland forces had seized a number of strategic locations in the town, though the full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear.

Somalia's federal government has not yet commented on the incident.

The clashes come amid a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia, a trip that has further heightened political and security tensions in the volatile Gedo region. Disputes over control and troop deployment in the area have long been a flashpoint between the federal government and regional authorities, particularly Jubbaland.

The renewed fighting also comes as the militant group Al-Shabaab gains ground in central Somalia, capturing new areas in the Hiiraan region.

The concurrent developments have raised fresh concerns about coordination and focus in Somalia's broader counter-insurgency efforts.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-heavy-clashes-erupt-in-dolow-between-jubaland-forces-and-somali-federal-troops