#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.

Backlash against #Somali region’s administrative restructuring triggers accusations between #Oromo, #Somali opposition parties


A war of words surfaced between Oromo and Somali opposition parties following the Somali Regional State’s recent administrative restructuring, which critics say includes contentious changes to the status of Moyale, a border town historically claimed by both the Oromia and Somali regions.

In a strongly worded statement issued on 29 July, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) condemned the restructuring plan as unconstitutional and warned it could trigger renewed conflict if not halted.

The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), led by Abdirahman Mahdi, while reiterating its own opposition to the Somali regional government’s restructuring—calling it top-down and lacking local legitimacy—dismissed the OFC’s criticism as “disproportionate, politically opportunistic,” and reflective of an inconsistent stance on constitutionalism.

Adding to the backlash, five Somali opposition parties—the Western Somali Democratic Party (WSDP), ONLF (led by Abdi Karim Sheikh Muse), the Union for Democracy and Freedom Party (UDFP), the Freedom and Equality Party (FEP), and the Somali Federalist Party (SFP)—released a joint statement on 30 July defending the restructuring and rejecting the OFC’s position.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51642

#Sudan: Is a rival government splitting the country in two?

The new rival "Government of Peace and Unity" in Darfur has not been internationally recognized. But observers fear it could bring more civil war, humanitarian suffering and even split the country in two.

War-torn Sudan appears one step closer to breaking up. Last weekend, a Sudanese coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced the establishment of a rival government in Darfur.

The announcement had been widely expected after the RSF — which holds nearly all of the Darfur region and parts of the south — and other armed groups had formed the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) in March. At the time, the alliance said it would soon establish a "Government of Peace and Unity" in areas under its control.

But now, the newly formed "Transitional Peace Government" with RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as president claims to have jurisdiction over all of Sudan.

In a statement, TASIS said it was committed "to build[ing] an inclusive homeland and a new, secular, democratic, decentralized, and voluntarily unified Sudan founded on the principles of freedom, justice, and equality."

https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-is-a-rival-government-splitting-the-country-in-two/a-73483875

Silence over sexual violence in #Ethiopia enables yet more abuse, says report

The silence over grave sexual violence crimes committed during the conflict in Ethiopia’s #Tigray region has enabled the spread of similar atrocities in other conflict zones, says a report co-authored by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Organisation for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa (OJAH). 

The report, “You Will Never Be Able to Give Birth”: Conflict-Related Sexual and Reproductive Violence in Ethiopia, released today, documents systematic abuse in Tigray predominantly committed by Ethiopian soldiers and their Eritrean and ethno-militia allies during the 2020-2022 war, and how a lack of accountability led to revenge attacks in the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions.

Researchers analysed hundreds of medical records and surveys of health workers in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar to understand the intent of the widespread acts of sexual and reproductive violence.

The report concludes that, in Tigray, the aim was to prevent future Tigrayan births. Health providers relayed stories of women who had plastic bags, nails, stones – even abusive letters – forcibly inserted into their wombs to destroy their ability to have children, with the goal of “destroying communities, and the Tigrayan ethnicity”.  

Tigrayan women were also held in captivity where they were raped – by multiple attackers – resulting in forced pregnancies. Tigrayan men also suffered rape and sexual assault, the report found. 

These acts constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, the report noted.

The lack of accountability for those crimes triggered yet more violence. When Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) soldiers advanced into parts of Amhara and Afar in 2021, they committed similar deliberate acts of sexual abuse, noted Payal Shah, the report’s co-author and director of research at PHR.

https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2025/07/31/silence-over-sexual-violence-ethiopia-enables-yet-more-abuse-says-report

Analysis: As drought #kills thousands of #livestock in Kolla #Tembien, signs of a devastating drought are reemerging in the war-torn region of #Tigray

The devastating impact of drought in Central Tigray’s Kolla Tembien district this week is the latest indicator of a growing crisis that has steadily worsened across the region over the past year.

In the Yaqer locality alone, more than 18,000 livestock have died, and hundreds of hectares of farmland have failed, compounding fears of a return to famine conditions in a region still reeling from the effects of war.

Goitom Gebrehaweria, head of the district’s economic sector, told Addis Standard that 184 cattle, 900 donkeys, more than 4,500 sheep, over 13,000 goats, and 200 beehives have perished due to the combined effects of failed rains and fodder exhaustion. “Rain has not hit the locality until today,” he said. “Bees have also been wiped out entirely.”

Gebrehiwet Gebregzabher, head of the regional Disaster Risk Management Bureau, said that a recent joint report by the Bureau and humanitarian agencies found that 2.45 million people across Tigray were already in need of food aid. But the alarm bells have been ringing for more than a year. In February 2024, Addis Standard reported that the combination of prolonged drought and locust infestation was endangering as much as 91% of Tigray’s population, placing them once again at risk of famine.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51644