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.
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.
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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
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
Addis Standard
Backlash against Somali region’s administrative restructuring triggers accusations between Oromo, Somali opposition parties - Addis…
Backlash against Somali region’s administrative restructuring triggers accusations between Oromo, Somali opposition parties Addis Standard News -
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#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
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
DW
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.
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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
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
The New Humanitarian
Silence over sexual violence in Ethiopia enables yet more abuse, says report
The failure to hold perpetrators to account has fueled revenge attacks.
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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
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
Addis Standard
Analysis: As drought kills thousands of livestock in Kolla Tembien, signs of a devastating drought reemerge in war-torn Tigray…
Analysis: As drought kills thousands of livestock in Kolla Tembien, signs of a devastating drought reemerge in war-torn Tigray Addis Standard Analysis -
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#Ethiopia: 27.75 kg of ‘smuggled gold bars’ seized near #Addis_Abeba ‘after month-long surveillance’: Customs Commission
The Ethiopian Customs Commission has claimed to have seized 27.75 kilograms of smuggled gold bars near Addis Abeba “following more than a month of surveillance.”
According to the Commission, the gold was concealed inside vehicle parts and was being transported illegally before being intercepted at the Tuludimtu checkpoint under the Kaliti Customs Branch.
“Three suspects and two vehicles involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended during the operation”, the Commission disclosed to state media.
The Commission said the gold “had been tracked by customs intelligence professionals for over a month”.
However, it did not disclose how such a large quantity of gold bars came into the unnamed suspects’ possession.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1951551998702280714?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
The Ethiopian Customs Commission has claimed to have seized 27.75 kilograms of smuggled gold bars near Addis Abeba “following more than a month of surveillance.”
According to the Commission, the gold was concealed inside vehicle parts and was being transported illegally before being intercepted at the Tuludimtu checkpoint under the Kaliti Customs Branch.
“Three suspects and two vehicles involved in the smuggling attempt were apprehended during the operation”, the Commission disclosed to state media.
The Commission said the gold “had been tracked by customs intelligence professionals for over a month”.
However, it did not disclose how such a large quantity of gold bars came into the unnamed suspects’ possession.
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1951551998702280714?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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Development enterprises under #Oromia Sovereign #Fund claim over 9.6 billion birr in revenue this fiscal year
Development enterprises operating under the Oromia Sovereign Fund (OSF) cloaked to have generated over 9.6 billion birr in revenue during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year (2024/25), according to the Oromia Government Enterprises Bureau. The announcement was made during the annual performance review held in the presence of Awelu Abdi, deputy president of Oromia Regional State, according to a report by state-affiliated media.
Awelu claimed “ongoing reform”efforts within the Oromia Government Enterprises Bureau have “yielded promising results,” and noted that, under the region’s “broader reform agenda”, public enterprises are undergoing a transition into competitive and profit-driven business entities, each guided by its own strategic plan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1951566180533071944
Development enterprises operating under the Oromia Sovereign Fund (OSF) cloaked to have generated over 9.6 billion birr in revenue during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year (2024/25), according to the Oromia Government Enterprises Bureau. The announcement was made during the annual performance review held in the presence of Awelu Abdi, deputy president of Oromia Regional State, according to a report by state-affiliated media.
Awelu claimed “ongoing reform”efforts within the Oromia Government Enterprises Bureau have “yielded promising results,” and noted that, under the region’s “broader reform agenda”, public enterprises are undergoing a transition into competitive and profit-driven business entities, each guided by its own strategic plan.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1951566180533071944
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#Migrant boat capsizes off #Yemen, killing dozens of #Ethiopians
A vessel carrying African migrants sank off the coast of Yemen, killing dozens, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Sunday.
The vessel was taking Ethiopians to Yemen, a popular transit country for migrants to reach wealthy Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia. The UN says Yemen is witnessing an influx of African migrants, despite a civil war.
Sixty-eight of some 154 migrants on board the boat died when it sank early on Sunday, with 74 still missing, the Associated Press news agency reported, citing the IOM.
The passengers on the vessel are reported to all be Ethiopian nationals.
Dozens of bodies have washed ashore in the southern Yemeni governorate of Abyan. Authorities in Abyan are taking part in a search and rescue operation.
Abdusattor Esoev, the head of the IOM in Yemen, told AP that 12 migrants survived the capsizing of the boat.
https://www.dw.com/en/african-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-yemen-killing-dozens/a-73515432
A vessel carrying African migrants sank off the coast of Yemen, killing dozens, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Sunday.
The vessel was taking Ethiopians to Yemen, a popular transit country for migrants to reach wealthy Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia. The UN says Yemen is witnessing an influx of African migrants, despite a civil war.
Sixty-eight of some 154 migrants on board the boat died when it sank early on Sunday, with 74 still missing, the Associated Press news agency reported, citing the IOM.
The passengers on the vessel are reported to all be Ethiopian nationals.
Dozens of bodies have washed ashore in the southern Yemeni governorate of Abyan. Authorities in Abyan are taking part in a search and rescue operation.
Abdusattor Esoev, the head of the IOM in Yemen, told AP that 12 migrants survived the capsizing of the boat.
https://www.dw.com/en/african-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-yemen-killing-dozens/a-73515432
DW
African migrant boat capsizes off Yemen, killing dozens
The vessel was taking Ethiopians to Yemen, a popular transit country for migrants to reach wealthy Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia. The UN says Yemen is witnessing an influx of African migrants, despite a civil war.
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#Somalia: #AU mission confirms killing of over 50 #al-Shabab fighters in southern #Somalia
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed on Sunday that its troops, backed by Somali government forces, killed more than 50 al-Shabab militants during a fierce fighting in Bariire town in southern Somalia on Friday.
In a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, AUSSOM also refuted media reports alleging heavy casualties among its soldiers in Bariire.
"AUSSOM wishes to clarify that its forces, in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), initiated a major offensive to recapture Bariire town on Aug. 1," the AU mission said, responding to claims made by al-Shabab regarding the destruction of AU-owned armored personnel carriers and the retreat of AUSSOM troops following intense fighting in Bariire.
"The joint military operation has resulted in substantial losses for the terrorist group, with over 50 al-Shabab militants killed and many others sustaining serious injuries," AUSSOM said.
The agriculturally rich Bariire town, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250803/b88fc81ab43940ae82dab71fc3d3f306/c.html
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed on Sunday that its troops, backed by Somali government forces, killed more than 50 al-Shabab militants during a fierce fighting in Bariire town in southern Somalia on Friday.
In a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, AUSSOM also refuted media reports alleging heavy casualties among its soldiers in Bariire.
"AUSSOM wishes to clarify that its forces, in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), initiated a major offensive to recapture Bariire town on Aug. 1," the AU mission said, responding to claims made by al-Shabab regarding the destruction of AU-owned armored personnel carriers and the retreat of AUSSOM troops following intense fighting in Bariire.
"The joint military operation has resulted in substantial losses for the terrorist group, with over 50 al-Shabab militants killed and many others sustaining serious injuries," AUSSOM said.
The agriculturally rich Bariire town, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River.
https://english.news.cn/africa/20250803/b88fc81ab43940ae82dab71fc3d3f306/c.html
english.news.cn
AU mission confirms killing of over 50 al-Shabab fighters in southern Somalia
MOGADISHU, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed on Sunday that its troops, backed by Somali government forces, killed more than 50 al-Shabab militants during a fierce fighting in Bariire town…
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#Sudan: #RSF gives control of #Darfur camp to #Colombian mercenaries, spokesman says
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have handed over control of the massive Zamzam camp for displaced people to Colombian mercenaries, a camp spokesman alleged on Sunday, months after the RSF seized the area.
The allegation follows the broadcast of video clips by the Sudanese army, purportedly recovered from a dead fighter’s phone, which appear to show Spanish-speaking mercenaries inside Zamzam camp. The army claimed the men were Colombian nationals killed in recent battles for El Fasher.
He described seeing armed, Spanish-speaking groups moving freely “among the rubble of homes and the unburied bodies of victims,” calling it a war crime and part of a conspiracy to hide a massacre.
“It is a war of annihilation against unarmed civilians, followed by a systematic occupation with the help of foreign mercenaries,” he said.
https://sudantribune.com/article303519/
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have handed over control of the massive Zamzam camp for displaced people to Colombian mercenaries, a camp spokesman alleged on Sunday, months after the RSF seized the area.
The allegation follows the broadcast of video clips by the Sudanese army, purportedly recovered from a dead fighter’s phone, which appear to show Spanish-speaking mercenaries inside Zamzam camp. The army claimed the men were Colombian nationals killed in recent battles for El Fasher.
He described seeing armed, Spanish-speaking groups moving freely “among the rubble of homes and the unburied bodies of victims,” calling it a war crime and part of a conspiracy to hide a massacre.
“It is a war of annihilation against unarmed civilians, followed by a systematic occupation with the help of foreign mercenaries,” he said.
https://sudantribune.com/article303519/
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#Ethiopia sentences five to #death for human trafficking offenses
The Ministry of Justice has announced that five individuals have been sentenced to death for their involvement in human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
Belayihun Yirga, State Minister of Justice, told local media that the sentences were handed down under Proclamation No. 1178, which prescribes penalties ranging from 25 years’ imprisonment to life and capital punishment for grave human trafficking offenses.
According to Belayihun, the ruling reflects the government’s growing concern over the rise of organized transnational crimes, including human trafficking, which continues to claim the lives of many Ethiopians attempting to migrate through irregular means.
He said efforts are underway to raise public awareness, strengthen inter-regional coordination, and develop legal frameworks to curb illegal migration.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1952290204930224423
The Ministry of Justice has announced that five individuals have been sentenced to death for their involvement in human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
Belayihun Yirga, State Minister of Justice, told local media that the sentences were handed down under Proclamation No. 1178, which prescribes penalties ranging from 25 years’ imprisonment to life and capital punishment for grave human trafficking offenses.
According to Belayihun, the ruling reflects the government’s growing concern over the rise of organized transnational crimes, including human trafficking, which continues to claim the lives of many Ethiopians attempting to migrate through irregular means.
He said efforts are underway to raise public awareness, strengthen inter-regional coordination, and develop legal frameworks to curb illegal migration.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1952290204930224423
#Commentary: Beyond Non-Recognition: How #Taiwan–Somaliland maritime pact challenges diplomatic norms amid global hegemonies
Last month, Taiwan and #Somaliland, both de facto states lacking widespread international recognition, formalized a maritime security agreement in #Taipei. This accord, which emphasizes cooperation in areas such as maritime safety and personnel training, represents a significant development in their unconventional diplomatic alliance. Gulaid Yusuf Idaan, the author of this commentary, argues that the agreement is reshaping diplomatic norms and challenging the conventional belief that international recognition is a “prerequisite for a state to function as a sovereign actor.”
He explains that both Taiwan and Somaliland are excluded from major international institutions due to persistent geopolitical pressures. Taiwan's isolation is a direct result of #China's enforcement of the One China Policy, while Somaliland's lack of recognition stems from the "One #Somalia" doctrine. Despite these constraints, both are asserting their right to international engagement, forging what the author refers to as "post-sovereign diplomacy"—a form of collaboration that intentionally defies the norms of formal state recognition.
According to the article, this alliance demonstrates the increasing relevance of informal and para-diplomacy, which are typically utilized by subnational entities, although these tools are now being repurposed by quasi-states to advance shared security and development goals. Idaan writes, "This partnership reflects a hybrid approach to diplomacy driven by shared governance capacities and a mutual interest in circumventing the constraints imposed by global recognition hierarchies."
While the pact introduces a new diplomatic model, the author acknowledges that significant challenges persist as both Taiwan and Somaliland face geopolitical pressure from larger powers, with “China's influence over Taiwan” and “Somalia's territorial claims over Somaliland” being key concerns. Nevertheless, he contends that the maritime pact shows how unrecognized states can reshape diplomacy through “resilience, shared values, and strategic cooperation,” offering a model for others on the margins of the international system.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51647
Last month, Taiwan and #Somaliland, both de facto states lacking widespread international recognition, formalized a maritime security agreement in #Taipei. This accord, which emphasizes cooperation in areas such as maritime safety and personnel training, represents a significant development in their unconventional diplomatic alliance. Gulaid Yusuf Idaan, the author of this commentary, argues that the agreement is reshaping diplomatic norms and challenging the conventional belief that international recognition is a “prerequisite for a state to function as a sovereign actor.”
He explains that both Taiwan and Somaliland are excluded from major international institutions due to persistent geopolitical pressures. Taiwan's isolation is a direct result of #China's enforcement of the One China Policy, while Somaliland's lack of recognition stems from the "One #Somalia" doctrine. Despite these constraints, both are asserting their right to international engagement, forging what the author refers to as "post-sovereign diplomacy"—a form of collaboration that intentionally defies the norms of formal state recognition.
According to the article, this alliance demonstrates the increasing relevance of informal and para-diplomacy, which are typically utilized by subnational entities, although these tools are now being repurposed by quasi-states to advance shared security and development goals. Idaan writes, "This partnership reflects a hybrid approach to diplomacy driven by shared governance capacities and a mutual interest in circumventing the constraints imposed by global recognition hierarchies."
While the pact introduces a new diplomatic model, the author acknowledges that significant challenges persist as both Taiwan and Somaliland face geopolitical pressure from larger powers, with “China's influence over Taiwan” and “Somalia's territorial claims over Somaliland” being key concerns. Nevertheless, he contends that the maritime pact shows how unrecognized states can reshape diplomacy through “resilience, shared values, and strategic cooperation,” offering a model for others on the margins of the international system.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51647
Addis Standard
Beyond Non-Recognition: How Taiwan–Somaliland maritime pact challenges diplomatic norms amid global hegemonies - Addis Standard
Beyond Non-Recognition: How Taiwan–Somaliland maritime pact challenges diplomatic norms amid global hegemonies Addis Standard Politics -
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‘On the precipice of defeat’: Former defense chiefs demand end to #Gaza war
Over a dozen ex-officials who held key posts say fighting in Strip no longer serves any attainable military goal but only political interests; letter to Trump urges him to intervene
More than a dozen former senior Israeli security officials issued a joint video message Sunday with a call to end the war in Gaza, arguing that #Israel has racked up more losses than victories and that the fighting has dragged on for political reasons rather than strategic military need.
Among the 19 retired IDF chiefs of staff, intelligence chiefs, Shin Bet and Mossad directors, and police commissioners backing the clip were former prime minister and IDF chief Ehud Barak and former IDF chiefs of staff Moshe Ya’alon and Dan Halutz; ex-Shin Bet directors Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Ami Ayalon, Yaakov Peri and Carmi Gillon; ex-Mossad chiefs Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy and Danny Yatom; and former Israel Police commissioners Dudi Cohen, Moshe Karadi, Rafi Peled and Assaf Hefetz.
Many of those featured in the video have previously criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the coalition’s handling of the war.
“Each of these people sat in cabinet meetings, operated in the inner circles, attended all the most sensitive decision-making processes,” a voiceover at the start of the video says by way of introduction. “Together, they have more than a thousand years’ experience in national security and diplomacy.”
Government critics say Netanyahu is avoiding agreeing on a permanent end to the war and the return of the 50 hostages still in captivity in order to preserve his coalition, which relies on far-right parties that insist on continuing the fight and whose leaders have voiced their desire to permanently conquer Gaza, push out its residents, and resettle it with Jews.
In the English-subnoscriptd video, the men argue that the fighting in Gaza could have ended long ago and demand that Israel end the war with a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive hostage deal that will see the release of all 50 remaining hostages in one fell swoop.
“We are on the precipice of defeat,” opined former Mossad director Tamir Pardo.
“What the world sees today is of our own creation,” he said of the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. “We are hiding behind a lie that we wrought. This lie was sold to the Israeli public, and the world has long since understood that it doesn’t reflect the real picture.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/on-the-precipice-of-defeat-former-defense-chiefs-demand-end-to-gaza-war/
Over a dozen ex-officials who held key posts say fighting in Strip no longer serves any attainable military goal but only political interests; letter to Trump urges him to intervene
More than a dozen former senior Israeli security officials issued a joint video message Sunday with a call to end the war in Gaza, arguing that #Israel has racked up more losses than victories and that the fighting has dragged on for political reasons rather than strategic military need.
Among the 19 retired IDF chiefs of staff, intelligence chiefs, Shin Bet and Mossad directors, and police commissioners backing the clip were former prime minister and IDF chief Ehud Barak and former IDF chiefs of staff Moshe Ya’alon and Dan Halutz; ex-Shin Bet directors Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Ami Ayalon, Yaakov Peri and Carmi Gillon; ex-Mossad chiefs Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy and Danny Yatom; and former Israel Police commissioners Dudi Cohen, Moshe Karadi, Rafi Peled and Assaf Hefetz.
Many of those featured in the video have previously criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the coalition’s handling of the war.
“Each of these people sat in cabinet meetings, operated in the inner circles, attended all the most sensitive decision-making processes,” a voiceover at the start of the video says by way of introduction. “Together, they have more than a thousand years’ experience in national security and diplomacy.”
Government critics say Netanyahu is avoiding agreeing on a permanent end to the war and the return of the 50 hostages still in captivity in order to preserve his coalition, which relies on far-right parties that insist on continuing the fight and whose leaders have voiced their desire to permanently conquer Gaza, push out its residents, and resettle it with Jews.
In the English-subnoscriptd video, the men argue that the fighting in Gaza could have ended long ago and demand that Israel end the war with a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive hostage deal that will see the release of all 50 remaining hostages in one fell swoop.
“We are on the precipice of defeat,” opined former Mossad director Tamir Pardo.
“What the world sees today is of our own creation,” he said of the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. “We are hiding behind a lie that we wrought. This lie was sold to the Israeli public, and the world has long since understood that it doesn’t reflect the real picture.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/on-the-precipice-of-defeat-former-defense-chiefs-demand-end-to-gaza-war/
The Times of Israel
‘On the precipice of defeat’: 19 former defense chiefs demand end to Gaza war
Over a dozen ex-officials who held key posts say fighting in Strip no longer serves any attainable military goal but only political interests; letter to Trump urges him to intervene
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#Weather shocks, #conflict-related tensions sustain high #food assistance needs across #Ethiopia: FEWS NET
Acute food insecurity remains widespread across Ethiopia, driven by a combination of weather-related shocks, failed seasonal rains, and the lingering impacts of conflict, according to the latest update by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
Despite earlier projections of modest improvements in food security following the anticipated 2024 meher harvest, millions of people – particularly in Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and drought-affected areas of Somali and Oromia regions – remain in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or worse. The ongoing lean season has pushed food assistance needs to peak levels, which are expected to remain elevated through late 2025.
The report highlights severe agricultural losses resulting from the failure of belg rains in central and eastern Oromia, southern Tigray, and eastern Amhara, where crop production has fallen to just 10% and 26% of the average in Tigray and Amhara, respectively.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51651
Acute food insecurity remains widespread across Ethiopia, driven by a combination of weather-related shocks, failed seasonal rains, and the lingering impacts of conflict, according to the latest update by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
Despite earlier projections of modest improvements in food security following the anticipated 2024 meher harvest, millions of people – particularly in Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and drought-affected areas of Somali and Oromia regions – remain in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or worse. The ongoing lean season has pushed food assistance needs to peak levels, which are expected to remain elevated through late 2025.
The report highlights severe agricultural losses resulting from the failure of belg rains in central and eastern Oromia, southern Tigray, and eastern Amhara, where crop production has fallen to just 10% and 26% of the average in Tigray and Amhara, respectively.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51651
Addis Standard
Weather shocks, conflict-related tensions sustain high food assistance needs across Ethiopia: FEWS NET - Addis Standard
Weather shocks, conflict-related tensions sustain high food assistance needs across Ethiopia: FEWS NET Addis Standard News -
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#Ethiopian Meteorology Institute warns of #heavy #rainfall, flash #floods in August
The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute has warned that several parts of the country are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall in August, with the potential for hailstorms and flash floods.
The Institute stated that areas in the northeast, north, central, southwest, and western regions will likely receive significant rainfall. It further cautioned that cloud formations resulting from solar heating could produce heavy downpours accompanied by hailstones, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding.
Additional risks linked to persistent high humidity were also noted, including waterlogging in low-lying farmlands and the likelihood of landslides and flooding in steep, highland areas.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1952359997540622529
The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute has warned that several parts of the country are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall in August, with the potential for hailstorms and flash floods.
The Institute stated that areas in the northeast, north, central, southwest, and western regions will likely receive significant rainfall. It further cautioned that cloud formations resulting from solar heating could produce heavy downpours accompanied by hailstones, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding.
Additional risks linked to persistent high humidity were also noted, including waterlogging in low-lying farmlands and the likelihood of landslides and flooding in steep, highland areas.
https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1952359997540622529
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#EHRC urges respect for #human rights, calls on #CoHA signatories to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions—including the federal government and armed groups—to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law and engage in political dialogue to resolve disputes.
The call was made during a press briefing held for the release of EHRC’s annual report. Birhanu Adelo, Chief Commissioner of EHRC, urged signatories of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions that risk undermining the fragile peace process. “Events and conditions that have hindered the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement and endangered human rights must be corrected,” he said.
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The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions—including the federal government and armed groups—to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law and engage in political dialogue to resolve disputes.
The call was made during a press briefing held for the release of EHRC’s annual report. Birhanu Adelo, Chief Commissioner of EHRC, urged signatories of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions that risk undermining the fragile peace process. “Events and conditions that have hindered the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement and endangered human rights must be corrected,” he said.
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#Ethiopian: Right to #life in ‘#critical’ state amid #conflicts, service collapse, and #humanitarian crises: Rights Commission
Ethiopians right to life is in a “critical” state due to the combined effects of ongoing armed conflicts, natural disasters, and a near-total breakdown of public services, according to the latest annual report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), released today.
Covering the period from June 2024 to June 2025, the 152-page report documents extensive violations of fundamental rights, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, physical harm, and widespread destruction of property. Civilians, particularly in conflict-affected areas, remain the primary victims of violence perpetrated by government forces, local armed groups, unidentified assailants, and inter-communal clashes.
In Amhara, the EHRC reported continued abuses in the conflict between federal forces and Fano militia, including extrajudicial killings and home burnings by government forces, and retaliatory attacks and looting by Fano. Similar violations were documented in Oromia, where both government forces and OLA militants were implicated in killings, abductions, and infrastructure destruction. OLA fighters reportedly extorted and killed passengers on buses headed to Addis Abeba. The report also cited civilian casualties from armed attacks in Benishangul-Gumuz, Central Ethiopia, and cross-border raids by Murle militants in Gambella.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51657
Ethiopians right to life is in a “critical” state due to the combined effects of ongoing armed conflicts, natural disasters, and a near-total breakdown of public services, according to the latest annual report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), released today.
Covering the period from June 2024 to June 2025, the 152-page report documents extensive violations of fundamental rights, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, physical harm, and widespread destruction of property. Civilians, particularly in conflict-affected areas, remain the primary victims of violence perpetrated by government forces, local armed groups, unidentified assailants, and inter-communal clashes.
In Amhara, the EHRC reported continued abuses in the conflict between federal forces and Fano militia, including extrajudicial killings and home burnings by government forces, and retaliatory attacks and looting by Fano. Similar violations were documented in Oromia, where both government forces and OLA militants were implicated in killings, abductions, and infrastructure destruction. OLA fighters reportedly extorted and killed passengers on buses headed to Addis Abeba. The report also cited civilian casualties from armed attacks in Benishangul-Gumuz, Central Ethiopia, and cross-border raids by Murle militants in Gambella.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51657
Addis Standard
News: Right to life in ‘critical’ state amid conflicts, service collapse, and humanitarian crises: Rights Commission - Addis Standard
News: Right to life in ‘critical’ state amid conflicts, service collapse, and humanitarian crises: Rights Commission Addis Standard News -