Thousands in #Sudan’s besieged el-Fasher at ‘risk of #starvation’, #UN warns

North Darfur’s capital has been under RSF siege for more than a year with key roads blocked and supplies running out.

Thousands of families trapped in the besieged city of el-Fasher in western Sudan are at “risk of starvation”, the World Food Programme (WFP) warns as the country’s brutal civil war rages well into its third year.

Since May last year, el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been at war with the government-aligned Sudanese armed forces (SAF) since April 2023.

The RSF has encircled the city, blocking all major roads and trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians, who have dwindling food supplies and limited humanitarian access.

“Everyone in el-Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive,” said Eric Perdison, the WFP’s regional director for East and Southern Africa.

“People’s coping mechanisms have been completely exhausted by over two years of war. Without immediate and sustained access, lives will be lost.”

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/5/thousands-in-sudans-besieged-el-fasher-at-risk-of-starvation-un-warns

New #AFRICOM chief says #US engagement with #Somaliland ‘in our interest’

The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee, Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, to lead United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), as the Pentagon and Congress signal growing interest in expanding ties with Somaliland.

Anderson, 54, was confirmed by unanimous voice vote on July 31 before lawmakers adjourned for the summer recess. He becomes the first U.S. Air Force officer to lead AFRICOM since its founding in 2007, breaking a pattern of Army and Marine appointments.

According to The Africa Report, with the Pentagon looking to deepen its partnership with Somaliland, he went to give proponents of independents some reason for optimism. “I think it’s in our interest to have some level of engagement in that region,” Anderson said. “Whether that’s with the federal government or the member states, I think that’s something I would have to assess if confirmed.”

His comments come as U.S. policy appears to be shifting. In its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the U.S. Congress directed the Secretary of State to explore avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation with Somaliland.

According to the House Appropriations Committee report for H.R. 4779, the State Department is required to submit a report within 120 days of enactment outlining potential areas of engagement - including security, diplomacy, trade, and development.

Somaliland, which regained its statehood from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally, has emerged as a potential U.S. partner amid growing global competition in the Red Sea region.

Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi “Irro” is expected to travel to Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks for high-level meetings with U.S. officials. Talks are expected to cover possible U.S. access to Somaliland’s Red Sea port of Berbera, use of military facilities, and cooperation in developing critical mineral resources.
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/new-africom-chief-backs-deeper-u-s-ties-with-somaliland/

Humanitarian aid cuts cripple #Gambella #refugee camps amid rising #malnutrition, #malaria

Refugee camps in Ethiopia’s Gambella region are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis following significant international aid cuts that have crippled essential services, including food distribution, health care, and disease prevention.

The region, which hosts more than 395,000 refugees—mostly from South Sudan across seven camps—is witnessing a surge in child malnutrition, malaria cases, and patient admissions, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which has operated in Kule refugee camp for over a decade.

The sharp decline in humanitarian assistance, driven by global funding reductions from key donors such as USAID, has already forced the suspension of nutrition programs in four of the seven camps, placing an estimated 80,000 children under five at risk of life-threatening malnutrition.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51694

#Drought claims more than 20 people in #Kolla_Tembien signaling deepening humanitarian crisis in war-torn #Tigray

At least 22 people have died and more than 27,000 livestock have perished in Kolla Tembien, Central Tigray, as a severe drought grips the war-affected region, local officials told Addis Standard. The worsening toll reflects a deepening humanitarian emergency unfolding in an area still reeling from the impact of the two-year devastating war.

Farmers report withered sesame fields and widespread crop failure, while health workers warn of growing cases of acute malnutrition, especially among children and the elderly. “People are already dying. We are helpless without urgent support,” said Goitom Gebrehaweria,a local administrator in Yaqer, highlighting the urgent need for food and water relief.

Despite appeals from local officials and a commitment from the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) to dispatch aid following an emergency cabinet meeting on 04 August, no assistance has reached the district. The crisis in Kolla Tembien compounded by the two-year devastating war, displacement, and political fragmentation that have left Tigray dangerously vulnerable to climate shocks.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51697

Two #Ghanaian ministers die in #helicopter crash, along with six others

Ghana's ministers of defence and environment have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region, along with six other people, a government spokesperson says.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah told a press conference that Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, had been killed in the crash, which he described as a "national tragedy".

Earlier, the Ghana Armed Forces said the aircraft, which was carrying three crew and five passengers, had gone "off the radar".

It had taken off from the capital, Accra, at 09:12 local time (and GMT) and was heading to the gold-mining town of Obuasi for a national event.

The authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash.

The chief of staff has directed the country's flags to fly at half-mast.

He extended condolences to "the servicemen who died in service to the country," on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the government.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8zjxwgj9jo

#Sudan says #UAE bars Sudanese planes from landing at its airports

The United Arab Emirates has banned Sudanese planes from landing at its airports, Sudan's state news agency quoted its Civil Aviation Authority as saying on Wednesday, in the latest sign of tension between the two countries.

The UAE also barred a Sudanese airliner from taking off from Abu Dhabi airport, the Sudanese authority said.

Sudan's authority voiced surprise at the reported decision and said it was following up with airlines to reprogramme reservations for passengers arriving in and departing from the Gulf country.

Abu Dhabi authorities did not immediately comment on the Sudanese statement.

Sudan cut diplomatic relations with the UAE in May, saying the Gulf nation was aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces with supplies of advanced weaponry in the country's devastating civil war that broke out in April 2023.

The UAE has repeatedly denied such charges.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/sudan-says-uae-bars-sudanese-planes-landing-its-airports-2025-08-06/

News: #Tigrai Independence Party denies joining new alliance unveiled by Lt. Gen. Tsadkan as #Baytona, #Arena, #Simret confirm participation

The Tigrai Independence Party (#TIP) has denied claims that it joined a newly announced political alliance unveiled by Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, which he said aims to bring political change in Tigray. “We will hold a special meeting to decide on the matter. But we are not part of an alliance of that form,” TIP Chairman Dejen Mezgebe told Addis Standard.

While TIP distanced itself from the initiative, Baytona, Arena Tigray, and the newly formed Simret Party - led by PM Abiy Ahmed’s advisor Getachew Reda - confirmed their participation.

The alliance, described by Tsadkan as a response to growing public demand for peace and democratic transition, also includes himself and Brig. Gen. Teklay Ashebir. According to Simret’s Kindeya Gebrehiwet, the alliance is grounded in three goals: avoiding renewed war, implementing the Pretoria Agreement, and preparing for democratic elections.

The announcement of the alliance came as Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, cautioned Simret against any involvement in armed struggle, urging the party to commit to peaceful political engagement. He also warned against alleged ties to armed groups in Afar, stressing the importance of dialogue and restraint.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51713

Seven #Ethiopian migrants die of hunger, thirst on boat to #Yemen: UN agency

IOM records more than 350 migrant deaths and disappearances along Eastern Route since start of 2025.

Seven Ethiopian migrants died of hunger and thirst after their boat broke down while en route from Somalia to Yemen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the UN agency said its teams in Yemen have provided “lifesaving assistance to survivors of a harrowing seven-day voyage from Bossaso, Somalia.”

The IOM said a boat carrying 250 Ethiopian migrants, including 82 children, arrived in the Arqah area of southern Yemen on Tuesday.

“Seven of the migrants died of hunger and thirst en route,” it said.

“These people have been through a week of hell on the high seas. They have been exploited, terrified and traumatized,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s chief of mission in Yemen.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/7-ethiopian-migrants-die-of-hunger-thirst-on-boat-to-yemen-un-agency/3652443

News: #Ethiopia’s Central Bank signals crackdown against informal #forex market, warns of #confiscation


The National Bank of Ethiopia (#NBE) has issued a stern warning against the use of the informal foreign exchange market, vowing to crack down on individuals and businesses bypassing the formal banking system. Governor Mamo Mihretu said enforcement measures, including asset confiscation, are underway to curb illegal currency flows and stabilize the country’s financial system.


Actions against foreign-based illegal money transmitters – particularly those operating from the United Arab Emirates – is ongoing and will intensify, Governor Mamo vowed.


The warning follows a 2 August announcement in which the NBE named four U.S.-based money transfer operators, including TAAJ Money Transfer, which has pleaded guilty to violating U.S. banking laws, as entities engaged in laundering funds from the Ethiopian diaspora. The central bank urged Ethiopians abroad to avoid using such services, warning that funds could be confiscated and may not reach intended recipients.


The central bank’s push comes amid growing foreign currency reserves, which the IMF says have tripled to $2.7 billion for the first time in many years. However, persistent distortions - such as high transaction costs and a 15% parallel market premium - continue to undermine stability.


Governor Mamo confirmed that commercial banks will now provide adequate foreign currency to customers, and called on merchants to stop relying on the parallel market.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51716

#Commentary: #Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Reset: Will new initiative deliver on localization promises or recycle old pledges?

Despite years of global pledges to localize humanitarian aid, Ethiopia and many other countries with significant humanitarian needs continue to lag in shifting power and resources to local actors. In response, the #UN recently introduced the Humanitarian Reset initiative, aiming to overhaul the global aid system amidst escalating crises. Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, emphasizes that in Ethiopia—where the Reset is under active discussion—“the initiative has been met with cautious optimism.” He contends that “its success will hinge not on design alone, but on delivery.”

The author draws on a Humanitarian Reset Priorities Survey he conducted in mid-2025 with the #CCRDA Humanitarian Forum to assess the initiative’s implementation. While the survey reveals strong support for the Reset’s vision, it comes with a stark warning: “Unless it brings tangible shifts in power, financing, and participation, the Reset risks becoming yet another well-branded reform that fails to move the needle.”

The survey uncovered significant implementation challenges. Awareness of the initiative is low among local groups; only 44% had heard of it, and just 23% felt well-informed. Nigussie emphasizes that this represents a critical gap, stating that "a reform that claims to shift power must begin by sharing information and enabling access, not just at launch, but from the outset." Furthermore, the survey found that over 60% of local organizations are ready to lead coordination efforts, yet they remain sidelined, "receiving subgrants without decision-making power, while funding and leadership stay in international hands."

The author argues that the Reset’s success in Ethiopia depends on “action, not intention.” He urges UN agencies and international NGOs to provide direct funding to local actors, share decision-making authority, promote autonomy over dependency, and transparently track progress using clear localization metrics. Nigussie concludes, “Anything less is simply a rebrand of the status quo.”

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51703

#Ethiopia: #Egypt 'scrambling to create obstacles' ahead of #GERD inauguration: Electric Power CEO

Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) CEO Eng. Ashebir Balcha has accused Egypt of “scrambling to create obstacles” following Ethiopia’s announcement that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will soon be inaugurated.

Speaking at a press briefing in Addis Abeba on 07 August, Eng. Ashebir described GERD as a “second Adwa” and “a done and finished deal,” noting that the dam alone generated 9,798 gigawatt-hours, 33.2% of electricity produced in the 2024/2025 FY.

His comments come amid intensified Egyptian diplomatic lobby in the Nile Basin states, including a high-level visit to Uganda where Cairo stated its claims over what it calls Ethiopia’s “unilateral actions” on the Nile and “water security.”

EEP reported that it generated 29,480 gigawatt-hours of electricity during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, 16% above its target and 43% higher than the previous year’s output. The increase was driven by partial GERD operations, the commissioning of the Assela wind farm, and improved maintenance capacity.

Responding to Addis Standard on concerns over prioritizing of power exports before domestic supplies, Deputy CEO Eng. Andualem Sia said that no electricity is sold abroad without meeting domestic demand, though he acknowledged infrastructure limitations in some regions.

Among the challenges during the year included theft of power infrastructure, with 43 transmission towers collapsing, and ongoing security concerns in different parts of the country.

The CEO also confirmed the first electricity tariff review in a decade, and said that it considers “shielding” low-income households.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51719

#Somalia: #Jubaland forces arrive on outskirts of Beled-Hawo amid rising tensions in #Gedo region

Hundreds of Jubaland state forces, accompanied by heavily armed military vehicles, arrived Thursday on the outskirts of Beled-Hawo, a strategic town in Somalia's Gedo region currently controlled by troops aligned with the federal government.

The deployment marks a significant escalation in the simmering tensions between the Somali federal government and Jubaland administration, which have long contested authority over key areas in the southern part of the country.

The troop movement comes just days after Ethiopia reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum to federal forces led by Gedo intelligence chief Abdirashid Janan to withdraw from Beled-Hawo and hand over control to Jubaland troops. The reported demand has not been officially confirmed by either Ethiopia's or Somalia's federal government, but local sources say Ethiopian officials are attempting to mediate the growing standoff.

Residents in Beled-Hawo say the arrival of Jubaland troops has heightened fears of renewed clashes in a town that has seen repeated episodes of armed conflict in recent years. "The situation is tense, and many civilians are worried about what could happen next," said Hassan Abdullahi, a local trader who fled the area Thursday morning with his family.

https://garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/jubaland-forces-arrive-on-outskirts-of-beled-hawo-amid-rising-tensions-in-gedo-region

#Egypt, #Sudan reject #Ethiopia’s ‘unilateral’ Nile policy

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris and his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly on Thursday rejected Ethiopia’s “unilateral approach” on the Blue Nile, as Cairo pledged full support for Sudan’s new government during Idris’s first trip abroad.

Idris arrived in the Egyptian capital with a high-level delegation on his first foreign trip since being appointed Prime Minister last May.

“The two sides reiterated their rejection of the unilateral Ethiopian approach on the Blue Nile, which is inconsistent with the relevant principles of international law and the spirit of cooperation,” a joint statement said after the talks.

The leaders affirmed their coordination through the Joint Permanent Technical Commission for Nile Water, the body responsible for unifying their positions on Nile-related issues, as outlined in a 1959 agreement.
https://sudantribune.com/article303685/

Air Quality Spotlight: #Addis_Abeba, most #polluted major city

As of August 6, 2025, the air quality in Addis Abeba, #Ethiopia, is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 147 and a PM2.5 concentration of 54.2 µg/m³.

This level exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 15 µg/m³ for 24-hour exposure, indicating a health concern for sensitive populations, such as those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Addis Abeba is among the most polluted major city in the world, ranking in the top four globally on August 6, 2025. The air quality poses risks particularly during peak pollution hours, often observed in the evening due to specific local activities.

Air pollution in Addis Abeba is driven by vehicle emissions, biomass burning, dust from construction and unpaved roads, and open waste burning.


https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/air-quality-spotlight-addis-ababa-ethiopia-most-polluted-major-city

#Israeli military plans to occupy #Gaza City in major escalation of war

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the military occupation of Gaza City, located in the north of the Palestinian enclave.

“The [Israeli military] will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement early on Friday announcing the takeover plan.

Two Israeli government sources told the Reuters news agency that any resolution by the security cabinet would now need to be approved by the full government cabinet, which may not meet until Sunday.

Occupying Gaza City marks a major escalation by Israel in its war on the Palestinian territory and will likely result in the forced displacement of tens of thousands of exhausted and starving residents who are experiencing famine conditions as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid from entering the territory.

“A siege will be imposed on the Hamas militants who remain in Gaza City, and at the same time, a ground offensive will be carried out in Gaza City,” Ravid wrote on X, citing the official.

On Thursday, in advance of the security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Israel would “take control of all Gaza”.


https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/8/israeli-security-cabinet-approves-plan-to-occupy-gaza-city-report

#Colombian President pledges action against #mercenaries allegedly training child soldiers in #Sudan

Growing evidence of mercenary involvement in the Sudan war has prompted Colombian President Gustavo Petro to seek action against the “spectres of death” from his country who are allegedly training child soldiers in Darfur.

Mr. Petro swiftly ordered an investigation and called for the urgent passage of legislation to ban mercenaries. “They are spectres of death,” the Colombian leader said in a social media post on Wednesday night.

“The bosses who send young men to kill and be killed for nothing are murderers,” he said.

Mr. Petro said the report of 40 deaths is unconfirmed. He said he has asked Colombia’s ambassador in Egypt to investigate the number of deaths and to see whether the remains of any Colombians could be returned to their home country.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-colombia-mercenaries-sudan-child-soldiers-gustavo-petro/

Stephen Miller claims #Washington D.C. crime more violent than “parts of #Ethiopia”

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller compared Washington D.C.’s violence levels to “Baghdad” and “parts of Ethiopia,” following President Donald Trump’s latest threat to federalise the city.

Speaking to NewsNation media on Thursday, Stephen claimed the U.S. capital is “more violent than Baghdad. It is more violent than parts of Ethiopia, parts of many of the most dangerous places in the world,” adding that the president “will do what’s necessary” to make the city “safe for all Americans.”

#Op_ed: From Heritage to Hostage: How #Amhara’s iconic tourism sites crumble amid conflict, gov’t neglect

Ethiopia’s Amhara region, once a thriving hub for cultural tourism and home to sites like #Lalibela, #Gondar, and the #Simien_Mountains, "now stand quiet, their pathways empty," writes Amanuel Agajjie Wasihun, the author of this op-ed. He attributes this collapse to a confluence of factors: the initial blow from the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war in #Tigray, and the more recent militarized conflict within Amhara. This has "shattered the local economy," with hotels closing and thousands of tourism professionals, including skilled guides, losing their livelihoods.

Beyond these compounding crises, the author draws attention to a more profound issue: "a systematic effort by the federal government to overshadow the region’s cultural and historical heritage." He claims that iconic and historical sites located in the northern part of the country, in particular, in Amhara, are being “deliberately omitted” from official tourism campaigns in favor of government-led initiatives. As evidence, Amanuel points to the Ministry of Tourism’s Land of Origins Facebook page, which he states “now gives considerable attention to newly launched, government-led tourism projects,” while the region’s historical sites remain “significantly underrepresented.” This trend, he notes, was also evident at international tourism events such as #ITB_Berlin, where iconic Amhara sites "were given no dedicated space in the promotional materials."

Moreover, the article highlights the stark disparity between official claims of a "booming recovery" the reality on the ground, where the tourism sector in Amhara region remains on the “verge of collapse.” It further details how continued road closures, flight disruptions, and international travel advisories have further isolated the region, accelerating the decline of its once-thriving tourism economy.

"This is not merely a regional issue," the author emphasizes, noting that "the collapse of tourism in the Amhara region represents a national crisis." Reviving the industry, he argues, necessitates more than “superficial” marketing efforts; it demands "a holistic and inclusive strategy" anchored in "political will, sustained peace, and a genuine commitment to justice," alongside the "rehabilitation of essential infrastructure" and "unrestricted promotion of Amhara’s heritage sites."

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51723

Ruling party blames ‘historical #enemies’, ‘internal #traitors’ for renewed plot to destabilize #Ethiopia

The ruling Prosperity Party has accused what it calls “historical enemies” and “internal traitors” of launching a coordinated campaign to derail Ethiopia’s progress. In a statement issued at the end of its Council meeting this week, the party claimed unnamed hostile forces have shifted tactics following the Pretoria Peace Agreement, allegedly turning to “incitement”, “disinformation”, and “economic sabotage” to sow instability and division across the country.

According to the party, these unnamed actors are deploying six key strategies, including manipulating local conflicts, exploiting governance grievances. “They are using media as a tool for incitement,” the statement continued, adding that digital platforms have become central to spreading what it calls “a vengeful, destructive narrative.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51727

#AS #Editorial: #Ethiopia’s youth are dying to leave: Time to end the illusion of prosperity and face reality

The tragic sinking of an overcrowded boat off Yemen’s coast on 03 August, claiming the lives of many of the 145 Ethiopian migrants on board, is not an accident. It is the latest, most painful chapter in a national crisis long in the making. These young people were not chasing riches; they were fleeing choicelessness. While the government clings to hollow narratives of “miracle” thousands of Ethiopian youth continue to risk (and lose) their lives to escape a country that offers neither stability nor a future.

For over a decade, Addis Standard has documented this exodus, from the drownings, to the organ trafficking and torture, to the inhuman deportations. These are not isolated tragedies. They are the predictable, preventable outcome of a system that has stripped an entire generation of options.

The government’s silence and its obsession with grand image building cannot cover the stench of national neglect. These deaths are not misfortunes, they are indictments.

It is time to bridge the gaping divide between official narratives of “prosperity” and “remarkable transformation” and the quiet desperation playing out across the country. No number of glittering projects, summit speeches, or foreign dignitaries on red carpet can disguise the fact that thousands of Ethiopians are risking everything to escape the place they once called home.

Unless we confront this reality with honesty and urgency, we will continue to lose not only lives, but the very soul of what we all call home. Real change demands a reckoning, with truth - with justice, and with the voices we have long chosen to ignore.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51778

News: #Ethiopia freezes bank accounts of 138 suspects over ‘illegal foreign currency’ activities

The Financial Intelligence Service (FIS) announced that the bank accounts of 138 individuals suspected of engaging in “illegal foreign currency crimes” have been frozen as part of a crackdown on parallel market transactions.

According to a statement issued to state media, the suspects were identified through “ongoing surveillance efforts” and are accused of operating “outside the country’s formal financial system, bypassing legal banking channels”.

The Service said the action aims to address persistent violations despite repeated government warnings. However, it provided no details of the 138 alleged suspects.

The announcement came in the heels of a statement on Wednesday by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) warning the business community and members of the diaspora to avoid informal exchange channels, stressing that enforcement measures - including asset seizure and international cooperation against unlicensed foreign-based money transfer services - would be pursued.

https://addisstandard.com/?p=51785