News: ‘Mothers going to bed after one loaf of bread a day”: #Drought devastates thousands in Central and South #Gondar

Severe drought conditions in #Ethiopia’s #Amhara regional state are affecting tens of thousands in both Central and South Gondar zones, leading to widespread food insecurity, livestock deaths, and internal migration.

In Central Gondar Zone’s West Belesa district, more than 32,000 people in six kebeles—Sami, Lava Mariam, Asawgari, Jandab, Laye, and Sera—are facing acute food shortages due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, according to Wasihun Kefyalew, head of the Central Gondar zone agriculture office. “3,000 hectares of crops have been damaged” and “over 1,200 animals” have perished since May 2025, he told Addis Standard.

In the neighboring South Gondar Zone, the Disaster Prevention and Food Security Office reported that over 175,000 people across 57 kebeles in seven districts are experiencing similar drought conditions. Abebaw Ayenew, a communications expert at the office, told Deutsche Welle that the government has distributed 12,419 quintals of food grains to affected areas including Ebinat, Samada, Sede Muja, and Meket.

However, residents say the aid is insufficient. A witness from Lay Gaint district told Deutsche Welle that locals “have nothing to eat,” and many are resorting to migration. Mitraba, Daba Wotokos, Lay Negala, and Tach Negala kebeles were named among the hardest-hit.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51611

#Tigray Supreme Court orders release of 500 million birr to pay #teachers’ #unpaid salaries

The Tigray Supreme Court has ordered the immediate release of over 500 million birr from the Regional Bureau of Finance’s account at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to cover unpaid salaries for teachers across the region.

The ruling comes a week after the court temporarily froze the bank accounts of the Tigray Interim Administration, following revelations that the administration held approximately 500 million birr in one account and about 10 million birr in another under the Federal Ministry of Finance—despite owing teachers 17 months of unpaid wages. The case, filed by the Tigray Teachers’ Association in August 2024, ultimately led to the account freeze to prevent further withdrawals.

The court rejected the administration’s argument that the frozen funds were needed for “administrative purposes,” ruling the justification insufficient. The court then ordered the immediate release of 500 million birr to settle the teachers’ overdue salaries.
Additionally, the court instructed prosecutors to submit a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be distributed among teachers and to provide an inventory of any related assets. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for 06 August, 2025, to review compliance.


https://addisstandard.com/?p=51616

#Eritrean #Afar National Congress opens office in #Semera, declares readiness for #armed struggle from #Ethiopia

The Eritrean Afar National Congress (EANC), a political group opposing Eritrea’s government, has announced it is preparing for armed struggle against the regime of President Isaias Afwerki.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle, EANC executive committee member and spokesperson Ali Mohammed Omer said the group has opened an office in Semera, the capital of Ethiopia’s Afar Region, and plans to expand operations to Addis Abeba.

“The Ethiopian government has given us the opportunity to operate and speak,” he stated, adding that their return to the region signals a shift from diaspora-based advocacy to active mobilization on the ground.

The announcement comes two weeks after the Red Sea Afar Democratic Organization (RSADO), an Ethiopia-based armed insurgent group, held a public conference in Semera on 13 July. RSADO said its political and military campaign against the Eritrean government, pledging continued struggle until the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) is dismantled and the Red Sea Afar people’s right to self-determination are recognized.

https://addisstandard.com/eritrean-afar-national-congress-opens-office-in-semera-declares-readiness-for-armed-struggle-from-ethiopia

#Askari launches regional exploration at #Nejo Gold and #Copper Project in #Ethiopia

Askari Metals Ltd has launched a systematic regional exploration campaign at its flagship Nejo Gold and Copper Project in central-western Ethiopia, targeting high-grade, shallow gold and copper mineralisation across two major gold corridors.

The 1,174-square-kilometre project, situated in the underexplored Arabian-Nubian Shield and surrounding the 1.7-million-ounce Tulu Kapi gold mine, is considered one of the company’s most prospective brownfields assets. Initial reconnaissance work is now under way, with trenching, mapping and sampling planned to refine drill targets ahead of a fourth-quarter 2025 campaign.

“Commencing fieldwork to validate and expand upon historical exploration is a key step in unlocking the potential of the Nejo Project,” said Askari executive director Gino D’Anna.

“Our immediate focus will be on the high-grade Guliso and Guji-Gudeya Trends, where past trenching and drilling confirmed significant shallow mineralisation,” he added. “This initial reconnaissance program — including mapping, soil sampling and rock sampling — lays the foundation for a focused drilling campaign.”

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/1075776/askari-launches-regional-exploration-at-nejo-gold-and-copper-project-in-ethiopia-1075776.html

#Op_ed: No Compensation, No Justice: #Oromia President’s land confiscation remark challenges constitutional order, threatens property rights

In a 19 July, 2025, address to the Oromia Regional State Council (#Caffee_Oromia), President Shemiles Abdissa made a controversial remark concerning land acquired for public projects: “In the past, we didn’t know about paying compensation, and we won’t pay it in the future either.” Hassen Mame Muse, the author of this op-ed, argues that the remark is not merely a policy stance—it constitutes a direct challenge to #Ethiopia’s constitutional order and poses a serious threat to one of the most fundamental rights: private property.

The author notes that property rights are enshrined in international law, citing the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to own property… and no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.” He further explains that both the FDRE Constitution and Oromia’s regional constitution reflect these principles by guaranteeing compensation for expropriation. Specifically, Article 40(8) of the FDRE Constitution requires the government to provide “in advance of compensation commensurate to the value of the property” when acquiring land for public use.

Hassen contends that the president’s statement regarding the non-payment of compensation for projects in the Oromia region constitutes “a grave threat to the constitutionally guaranteed private property rights of citizens and the rule of law in Ethiopia.” He further emphasizes, “It is imperative that all branches of government uphold their constitutional obligations and actively oppose any actions that infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens.” The author cautions that “failure to do so risks setting a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust, and potentially destabilizing the region.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51623

#Egyptian, #Sudanese foreign ministers discuss efforts to achieve peace in #Sudan

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed efforts to achieve peace in Sudan in a phone call Wednesday with his Sudanese counterpart Omar Siddiq.

The two sides reviewed “Egypt’s efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Sudan and preserving the resources of the Sudanese people, including discussions within the framework of the international quartet on Sudan, in which Egypt is engaged,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s ongoing support for “Sudan’s sovereignty, national institutions and the unity and territorial integrity of the country,” emphasising Egypt’s rejection of “any steps that would threaten Sudan’s unity.”

Siddiq expressed his appreciation for “Egypt’s continued support for Sudan’s sovereignty and security” and voiced his aspiration to “further develop bilateral relations between the two countries,” the statement added.

On Saturday, the Sudanese Founding Alliance, a coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announced the formation of a parallel government led by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The RSF and several allied groups signed a charter in Kenya on February 22 to establish a parallel government in Sudan.

https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/8ba1459cf371

Mother blames gov’t forces for toddler’s killing in #Oromia; local official cites crossfire amid clashes with #OLA

The mother of a 1-year-8-month-old toddler in the Ilu Aba Bor zone of Oromia has accused government security forces of killing her child during a raid in Nopha district. Local authorities confirmed the child’s death but said it occurred amid crossfire between government forces and militants from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

Zara Hassan, the mother of Zakir Tolasa, told Addis Standard that government soldiers fatally shot her child on 16 July 2025 in Cage locality, where the family had lived for over five years as farmers. “Around 5 p.m., government soldiers arrived and began shooting indiscriminately,” she said. “My child was in his father’s arms when he was struck by a bullet. After he died, his father had to leave his body behind and flee for his life.”

The Cage locality, where the incident took place, had previously remained largely unaffected by the militarized confrontations between OLA and government forces that have gripped other parts of western and southern Oromia for years.

Dejene Kebede, Nopha district administrator,acknowledged that members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) were also killed during the clashes. He said the family’s home was caught in the exchange, but claimed that OLA militants had been using the house as a hideout for several days prior.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51626

#Somalia, #Djibouti sign troop deployment deal

Somalia and Djibouti on Wednesday signed an agreement that allows for an additional deployment of Djiboutian troops to boost stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Specific details and timing of the agreement were not disclosed.

"The agreement will govern the additional deployment of Djibouti Armed Forces personnel on Somali territory in accordance with the priorities agreed between the two parties," according to a joint statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Defense after the signing of the agreement in Djibouti.

The ministry said the agreement outlines the modalities of intervention, reciprocal obligations, and coordination mechanisms, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

"The agreement illustrates Djibouti's unwavering commitment to supporting peace, security efforts in Somalia, and is part of a shared vision of regional stability," it said.

https://english.news.cn/20250731/b24122e01544435b9f6400ce341b865c/c.html

#Ethiopia: Director of rights organization resigns over #surveillance, #intimidation

Yared Hailemariam, who served as executive director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center for the past four years, has announced his resignation, citing intimidation, threats, and surveillance.

In a statement released yesterday, Yared confirmed that he stepped down from his position effective 1 August 2025, attributing the decision to the challenging conditions he faced during his tenure.

“For over a year now, I have faced growing pressure due to the statements and clarifications I have provided to both domestic and international media regarding the human rights situation in the country, as well as social media posts aimed at raising public awareness about rights and accountability,” he stated.

Due to his advocacy work, Yared said growing intimidation forced his resignation, citing threats, surveillance, and suspicious calls that raised safety concerns. Citing growing pressure and health issues, Yared said he submitted his resignation months ago but was forced to leave sooner due to worsening conditions.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51630

#Sudan: Mass displacement, hundreds killed as violence escalates in Kordofan

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said that intensified fighting since the start of 2025 in the three states of Sudan’s Kordofan region has caused the deaths of hundreds of people, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential services.

In a statement, the ICRC said: “Attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure in Sudan’s Kordofan states — including hospitals, markets and residential areas — have caused a high number of casualties, mass displacement and the collapse of essential services.”

Daniel O’Malley, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan, said in the statement: “Fighting in the Kordofan states has intensified since the beginning of 2025, resulting in hundreds of deaths and exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis. In some areas, 90 per cent of civilians have fled,”

He added that alongside the fighting, unexploded remnants of war pose a serious threat to civilians, especially those fleeing conflict zones or trying to return to their homes.

O’Malley warned of grave risks facing the wounded and the sick, pointing to the dire condition of the country’s already fragile health system.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250731-sudan-mass-displacement-hundreds-killed-as-violence-escalates-in-kordofan/

Rubio, #Egyptian foreign minister discuss #Gaza, #Sudan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional security and efforts to promote stability in the Middle East, the State Department said Thursday.

During the meeting Wednesday at the State Department, Rubio thanked Abdelatty for "Egypt’s steadfast support in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas," according to the State Department readout.

"Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Abdelatty also discussed the necessity of a transition to civilian governance in Sudan," it added.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry wrote on X that the productive meeting covered strengthening the strategic partnership, key regional crises and Egypt’s water security.

The meeting comes amid growing alarm from humanitarian agencies about mass starvation in the Gaza Strip, where Palestinians have been enduring a blockade on food and aid.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/rubio-egyptian-foreign-minister-discuss-gaza-sudan/3647648

#Ethiopia: “Many pregnant women have died due to lack of #medicine and #health services”

The ongoing conflict in the Oromia region is having a devastating effect on many communities, particularly those in remote areas. Oromia doesn’t make the headlines, yet civilians continue to be deeply affected by violence, with many people killed or injured and limited help coming from outside the region.

Asiya Abdela is a farmer in Arma Gunfi, a small village cut off because of the conflict. It lies deep in the West Wellega zone, over 700 kilometres away from the capital Addis Ababa. While waiting for her prenatal care appointment at the Gunfi primary health care centre, she told us how the conflict has impacted access to healthcare and the terrible consequences it has had on the community.


https://www.icrcnewsroom.org/story/en/1063/ethiopia-many-pregnant-women-have-died-due-to-lack-of-medicine-and-health-services/0/3YaOyArdxq?utm_source=facebook

#Afar People’s Party accuses #Somali Region of violating boundaries with new administrative restructuring

The Afar People’s Party (APP) has strongly condemned a recent decision by the Somali Regional Council to approve 14 new woredas (districts) and 4 new zones, alleging that the move constitutes a breach of Afar’s territorial integrity and threatens the fragile peace between the two regions.

On Saturday, 27 July, the Council approved the establishment of 14 new woredas, four zonal administrations, and 25 municipal leadership offices. Mohammed Adam, Head of the Somali Region’s Communication Bureau, told Addis Standard that the changes are “strictly internal” and “do not involve any redrawing of administrative boundaries.”

The statement from APP comes in the context of a fragile peace process that began in April 2024, when the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council brokered a ceasefire between the two regions. This was followed by the formation of a National Committee tasked with resolving the Somali–Afar conflict. On September 13, 2024, the committee announced a formal “cessation of hostilities” after evaluating the success of its first operational phase.

APP warned the decision could incite renewed violence. “At a time when our country is recovering from the northern war and striving to strengthen internal peace, this action is an invitation to another war,” the statement cautioned.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51637

60,000 #Gazans have been killed. 18,500 were children. These are their names.

Some were killed in their beds. Others while playing. Many were buried before they learned to walk. Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Palestinian children have been killed at a rate of more than one child per hour during the war. “Consider that for a moment. A whole classroom of children killed, every day for nearly two years,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell told the U.N. Security Council this month.
When asked about the death toll among children, the Israel Defense Forces said it “does not target children or other uninvolved civilians. The IDF takes extensive precautionary measures to prevent harm to civilians. The IDF operates in compliance with international law.”

Israel says its aim is to eliminate Hamas after the militant group attacked the country on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Thirty-eight children were killed and about three dozen were taken hostage. Hamas continues to hold about 22 hostages and the bodies of 27 others.

To assemble its list of fatalities, the Gaza Health Ministry uses hospital and morgue records, as well as vetted reports from victims’ families and reliable media. Tracking and identifying the dead has become increasingly difficult amid the breakdown of the enclave’s medical system.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2025/israel-gaza-war-children-death-toll/

#Opinion: Weapons Without Oversight: How lifting #Somalia’s arms embargo destabilizes Horn of #Africa

When the #UN Security Council lifted Somalia’s decades-old arms embargo in December 2023, the move was widely celebrated as a milestone in the country’s path toward national recovery. However, Abdi Halim M. Musa, the author of this opinion piece, argues that more than 19 months later, the consequences of that decision have been far from encouraging. He writes, “Far from stabilizing the country, the removal of the embargo has accelerated the spread of weapons across Somalia, heightened regional tensions, and placed civilian lives—in Somalia, Somaliland, and the broader Horn of Africa—at growing risk.”

The author notes that Somalia remains “deeply fragmented,” with “no unified security architecture” and “limited control over its borders.” Despite clear warnings—such as its "9 out of 10 for arms trafficking risk" rating in the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index—the influx of weapons has continued. He cites a recent incident in #Puntland, where authorities intercepted a suspected arms shipment reportedly headed to Mogadishu. According to Musa, the incident “heightened long-standing concerns that arms intended for state use may be diverted to militias, political factions, and extremist groups such as #Al_Shabaab and ISIS-HoA.” He warns that #Somaliland's stability is now “increasingly exposed to the spillover effects of international miscalculations.”

The author further argues that Somalia "is not yet ready to manage arms flows at scale," as it “lacks proper verification, storage protocols, and neutral institutions” necessary to ensure that weapons remain under legitimate control. He stresses that without robust safeguards, including third-party monitoring, end-user verification, real-time tracking, and enforceable penalties for violations, “the region risks reliving the same avoidable tragedies witnessed in Libya, South Sudan, and elsewhere—where premature international confidence translated into long-term humanitarian crises.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51634

#Tigray interim admin, #Simret Party trade accusations over deadly border attack

The Tigray Interim Administration has accused the Simret Party, a new political party led by former President Getachew Reda, of carrying out an armed attack on a Tigray security unit in Mlazat, Southeastern Tigray, bordering the Afar region, which resulted in the death of a member of the Tigray Security Forces.

The Simret Party has denied the allegation as “baseless” and, in turn, accused the interim administration’s peace and security office of “corruption and regional destabilization.”

According to a statement released by the administration’s Peace and Security Bureau, the attack took place on 30 July and claimed the life of Hailu Anday Kindeya, a member of the region’s security forces. The administration claimed the assault was “orchestrated by Simret Party operatives” under the pretense of political activism.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51639

Prime Minister Abiy appoints Addisu Arega as new Minister of Agriculture

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has appointed Addisu Arega as Minister of Agriculture, effective August 1.

Prior to his appointment, Addisu served as Coordinator of the Rural Cluster with the rank of Deputy President in the Oromia Regional State.

He replaces Girma Amente (PhD), who had served in the role since January 2023.