#Commentary: From Listening to Answering: Rewiring humanitarian accountability, shifting power from donors to aid recipients
For more than a decade, humanitarian organizations have promoted the principle of Accountability to Affected People (#AAP), defined as “an active commitment by humanitarian actors to use power responsibly by involving and answering to communities they serve.” However, Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, argues that in practice AAP relies heavily on “weak feedback systems” and “donor-driven compliance,” rarely enabling communities to hold agencies accountable. Instead of strengthening community agency, he contends, AAP has evolved into a tool for “upward accountability”—prioritizing donor reporting requirements over genuine engagement with affected populations.
While frameworks such as the Core Humanitarian Standard (#CHS) provide guidance, the author notes they often stop at "listening to" communities without granting them the "power to hold agencies to account." As a result, aid recipients are left with limited means to demand change or obtain meaningful remedies for grievances. By contrast, Nigussie contends that “strong social accountability”—developed in governance and public service contexts—offers more robust and enforceable mechanisms.
The article underscores that unlike the weak form of accountability, which merely collects feedback, social accountability connects citizen-led oversight with collective action and enforceable sanctions. To support this claim, the author cites several real-world examples, including community-led initiatives in #Ethiopia, #Somalia, and #Sudan, instances that demonstrate that even in crisis situations, communities can effectively influence service delivery when accountability systems are "inclusive, enforceable, and locally embedded."
Nigussie argues that the prevailing system leaves communities “'heard’ but not empowered,” and calls for humanitarian AAP to be re-envisioned through a “lens of social accountability.” This entails linking feedback to public decision-making, fostering collective voice, ensuring independent verification, and establishing credible remedies. He concludes by stating that “localization is not only about transferring resources—it is about shifting power.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52045
For more than a decade, humanitarian organizations have promoted the principle of Accountability to Affected People (#AAP), defined as “an active commitment by humanitarian actors to use power responsibly by involving and answering to communities they serve.” However, Nigussie Tefera, the author of this commentary, argues that in practice AAP relies heavily on “weak feedback systems” and “donor-driven compliance,” rarely enabling communities to hold agencies accountable. Instead of strengthening community agency, he contends, AAP has evolved into a tool for “upward accountability”—prioritizing donor reporting requirements over genuine engagement with affected populations.
While frameworks such as the Core Humanitarian Standard (#CHS) provide guidance, the author notes they often stop at "listening to" communities without granting them the "power to hold agencies to account." As a result, aid recipients are left with limited means to demand change or obtain meaningful remedies for grievances. By contrast, Nigussie contends that “strong social accountability”—developed in governance and public service contexts—offers more robust and enforceable mechanisms.
The article underscores that unlike the weak form of accountability, which merely collects feedback, social accountability connects citizen-led oversight with collective action and enforceable sanctions. To support this claim, the author cites several real-world examples, including community-led initiatives in #Ethiopia, #Somalia, and #Sudan, instances that demonstrate that even in crisis situations, communities can effectively influence service delivery when accountability systems are "inclusive, enforceable, and locally embedded."
Nigussie argues that the prevailing system leaves communities “'heard’ but not empowered,” and calls for humanitarian AAP to be re-envisioned through a “lens of social accountability.” This entails linking feedback to public decision-making, fostering collective voice, ensuring independent verification, and establishing credible remedies. He concludes by stating that “localization is not only about transferring resources—it is about shifting power.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52045
Addis Standard
From Listening to Answering: Rewiring humanitarian accountability, shifting power from donors to aid recipients - Addis Standard
From Listening to Answering: Rewiring humanitarian accountability, shifting power from donors to aid recipients Addis Standard Commentary -
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#Ethiopia:13 dead after bus plunges into gorge in #Tigray’s Ahferom district
Thirteen people died Monday in a bus accident in the Ahferom district, Central Zone of the Tigray region, the district’s Peace and Security Office said.
According to the office, the accident occurred around 5 a.m. in Sero kebele, at a location locally known as Mekelih.
Shambel Gebretensahe Gebregiorgis, head of the district’s Peace and Security Office, told state-affiliated media that the bus, carrying passengers from Egela district to Enticho town, veered off the main road and plunged 80 meters into a gorge, killing 13 people.
He added that several other passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and are receiving medical treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Thirteen people died Monday in a bus accident in the Ahferom district, Central Zone of the Tigray region, the district’s Peace and Security Office said.
According to the office, the accident occurred around 5 a.m. in Sero kebele, at a location locally known as Mekelih.
Shambel Gebretensahe Gebregiorgis, head of the district’s Peace and Security Office, told state-affiliated media that the bus, carrying passengers from Egela district to Enticho town, veered off the main road and plunged 80 meters into a gorge, killing 13 people.
He added that several other passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and are receiving medical treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
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20 #Palestinians, including 4 journalists, killed in #IDF strike on #Gaza #hospital
At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Monday in an IDF strike on the Nasser Hospital compound in the southern Gaza Strip, according to the hospital director Atef al-Hout.
The Nasser hospital is the only hospital currently operating in the southern Gaza Strip.
The strike comes amid Israeli preparations for a new offensive to occupy Gaza City, which is expected to lead to mass displacement and increase the death toll in the enclave.
Approximately 63,000 Palestinians - most of them women and children - have died since Israel launched an offensive against Hamas following the Oct 7th attacks.
According to al-Hout, the first strike targeted the fourth floor of a building inside the hospital compound.
Several minutes later, a second strike took place that targeted reporters and a rescue team who tried to reach the casualties of the first strike.
Four journalists and one aid worker were among those killed in the second strike. The journalists have been identified as Hussam al-Masri, a contractor cameraman for Reuters, Mariam Dagga, a freelance reporter for the Associated Press, al-Jazeera's Mohammed Salama, NBC's Moaz Abu Taha.
https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/gaza-israel-hospital-strike-journalists-killed
At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Monday in an IDF strike on the Nasser Hospital compound in the southern Gaza Strip, according to the hospital director Atef al-Hout.
The Nasser hospital is the only hospital currently operating in the southern Gaza Strip.
The strike comes amid Israeli preparations for a new offensive to occupy Gaza City, which is expected to lead to mass displacement and increase the death toll in the enclave.
Approximately 63,000 Palestinians - most of them women and children - have died since Israel launched an offensive against Hamas following the Oct 7th attacks.
According to al-Hout, the first strike targeted the fourth floor of a building inside the hospital compound.
Several minutes later, a second strike took place that targeted reporters and a rescue team who tried to reach the casualties of the first strike.
Four journalists and one aid worker were among those killed in the second strike. The journalists have been identified as Hussam al-Masri, a contractor cameraman for Reuters, Mariam Dagga, a freelance reporter for the Associated Press, al-Jazeera's Mohammed Salama, NBC's Moaz Abu Taha.
https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/gaza-israel-hospital-strike-journalists-killed
Axios
20 Palestinians, including 4 journalists, killed in IDF strike on Gaza hospital
Several of the victims are members of the hospital's medical team, hospital director Atef al-Hout said.
#Ethiopian Media Professionals Association demands #accountability for #journalists’ abduction
The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association (EMPA) has called for those responsible for the recent abduction of two journalists to be identified and brought to justice.
EMPA welcomed the release of the journalists abducted earlier this month: Abdulsemed Mohammed, host of the Saturday Market program on Ahadu FM 94.3, who was held for 12 days, and Yonas Amare, senior editor for Reporter newspaper, who was detained for 10 days.
The association described their prolonged disappearance as “an illegal act” and urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. EMPA said abducting and harassing journalists, instead of following legal procedures, is unacceptable and undermines media freedom and the public’s right to information.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52062
The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association (EMPA) has called for those responsible for the recent abduction of two journalists to be identified and brought to justice.
EMPA welcomed the release of the journalists abducted earlier this month: Abdulsemed Mohammed, host of the Saturday Market program on Ahadu FM 94.3, who was held for 12 days, and Yonas Amare, senior editor for Reporter newspaper, who was detained for 10 days.
The association described their prolonged disappearance as “an illegal act” and urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. EMPA said abducting and harassing journalists, instead of following legal procedures, is unacceptable and undermines media freedom and the public’s right to information.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52062
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Why #Ethiopia’s #Tigray could be on the brink of another conflict
An eerily familiar set of headlines is making the rounds in Ethiopia, troubling many in the fragile, northern Tigray region.
Successive delegations of civil society and religious leaders have, in recent weeks, travelled to the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle, for “dialogue”. For some, it is a reminder of the events that played out in the final weeks before Tigray descended into war in November 2020.
That war left 600,000 people dead and some five million displaced. It brought global attention to Ethiopia’s fractured politics and tarnished the reputation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had won a Nobel Peace Prize for mending long-severed ties with neighbouring Eritrea.
A ceasefire two years later was supposed to end the war; instead, analysts say, another conflict might be looming. This time, it could involve not just the Tigrayan regional authorities, but also Eritrea, and potentially, that country’s own allies. It is not a conflict that the region can withstand, experts fear.
“We are now at a point where we are all frightened at another conflict in Tigray, and with Eritrea,” analyst Abel Abate Demissie of the Chatham House think tank in the United Kingdom told Al Jazeera. “It would be extremely devastating.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/25/why-ethiopias-tigray-could-be-on-the-brink-of-another-conflict
An eerily familiar set of headlines is making the rounds in Ethiopia, troubling many in the fragile, northern Tigray region.
Successive delegations of civil society and religious leaders have, in recent weeks, travelled to the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle, for “dialogue”. For some, it is a reminder of the events that played out in the final weeks before Tigray descended into war in November 2020.
That war left 600,000 people dead and some five million displaced. It brought global attention to Ethiopia’s fractured politics and tarnished the reputation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had won a Nobel Peace Prize for mending long-severed ties with neighbouring Eritrea.
A ceasefire two years later was supposed to end the war; instead, analysts say, another conflict might be looming. This time, it could involve not just the Tigrayan regional authorities, but also Eritrea, and potentially, that country’s own allies. It is not a conflict that the region can withstand, experts fear.
“We are now at a point where we are all frightened at another conflict in Tigray, and with Eritrea,” analyst Abel Abate Demissie of the Chatham House think tank in the United Kingdom told Al Jazeera. “It would be extremely devastating.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/25/why-ethiopias-tigray-could-be-on-the-brink-of-another-conflict
Al Jazeera
Why Ethiopia’s Tigray could be on the brink of another conflict
Fears of instability rise again as the TPLF and the federal government appear to be gearing up for a showdown.
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#Somalia government, opposition seal #election deal after months of talks
Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum announced Monday they had reached a landmark agreement on how to conduct the country’s next elections, a step both sides say is meant to strengthen national unity and accelerate the state-building process.
The accord was concluded after two months of negotiations.
Under the deal, the Federal Parliament will elect the president, while leaders of federal member states will directly choose members of parliament. The president will have the authority to appoint a prime minister, subject to approval or dismissal by the House of the People.
The framework also sets a political threshold, granting national party status to any organization that secures at least 10 percent of seats in parliament.
Officials said the next elections will be based on the 2024 electoral law, with preparations for local, state, and federal polls beginning immediately. Both sides pledged to finalize Somalia’s provisional constitution to provide legal clarity and stronger institutional foundations.
The roadmap calls for a gradual transition toward direct voting in which citizens will cast ballots themselves, with both government and opposition parties participating in the process.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Aug/202668/somalia_government_opposition_seal_election_deal_after_two_months_of_talks.aspx
Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum announced Monday they had reached a landmark agreement on how to conduct the country’s next elections, a step both sides say is meant to strengthen national unity and accelerate the state-building process.
The accord was concluded after two months of negotiations.
Under the deal, the Federal Parliament will elect the president, while leaders of federal member states will directly choose members of parliament. The president will have the authority to appoint a prime minister, subject to approval or dismissal by the House of the People.
The framework also sets a political threshold, granting national party status to any organization that secures at least 10 percent of seats in parliament.
Officials said the next elections will be based on the 2024 electoral law, with preparations for local, state, and federal polls beginning immediately. Both sides pledged to finalize Somalia’s provisional constitution to provide legal clarity and stronger institutional foundations.
The roadmap calls for a gradual transition toward direct voting in which citizens will cast ballots themselves, with both government and opposition parties participating in the process.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2025/Aug/202668/somalia_government_opposition_seal_election_deal_after_two_months_of_talks.aspx
Hiiraan
Somalia government, opposition seal election deal after months of talks
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum announced Monday they had reached a landmark agreement on how to conduct the country’s next elections, a step both sides say is meant to strengthen national unity and accelerate…
#Ethiopia: #Oromo community in #Norway in shock after brutal killing of 34-year-old woman by suspected right-wing extremist
The Oromo community in Norway is in shock after the brutal killing of 34-year-old Tamima Nebras Juhar, an Ethiopian-born Norwegian citizen, on Saturday, 24 August, in #Oslo’s Kampen district. Police said the 18-year-old suspect, who has been arrested, acted out of “political hatred” and faces terrorism charges, including murder. Amnesty International condemned the attack as a “horrifying act” and urged solidarity with Tamima’s grieving family, while residents of Kampen held a candlelight vigil to honor her life.
Tamima, remembered as “a caring and unifying person,” dedicated her career to child and youth support programs and advocacy for justice and gender equality.
Her family said her absence leaves “a deep wound” and demanded accountability from Norwegian authorities to prevent similar attacks.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52068
The Oromo community in Norway is in shock after the brutal killing of 34-year-old Tamima Nebras Juhar, an Ethiopian-born Norwegian citizen, on Saturday, 24 August, in #Oslo’s Kampen district. Police said the 18-year-old suspect, who has been arrested, acted out of “political hatred” and faces terrorism charges, including murder. Amnesty International condemned the attack as a “horrifying act” and urged solidarity with Tamima’s grieving family, while residents of Kampen held a candlelight vigil to honor her life.
Tamima, remembered as “a caring and unifying person,” dedicated her career to child and youth support programs and advocacy for justice and gender equality.
Her family said her absence leaves “a deep wound” and demanded accountability from Norwegian authorities to prevent similar attacks.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52068
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#Leaders, #journalist groups react to #Israeli #Gaza strike that killed five journalists
World leaders and journalist groups reacted to an Israeli strike on Monday at Gaza Strip's Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others.
COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS:
"The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Israeli strikes that killed five journalists in Nasser hospital in southern Gaza and calls for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued unlawful attacks on the press."
U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP:
“When did this happen?”
“I didn't know that. Well, I’m not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON:
"This is intolerable: civilians and journalists must be protected in all circumstances. The media must be able to carry out their mission freely and independently to cover the reality of the conflict."
UNITED NATIONS SPOKESPERSON STEPHANE DUJARRIC:
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Those killed in addition to civilians included medical personnel and journalists.
"These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict.
They "must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for a prompt, and impartial investigation into these killings."
WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS:
"While people in #Gaza are being starved, their already limited access to health care is being further crippled by repeated attacks."
"We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on health care. Ceasefire now!
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/leaders-journalist-groups-react-israeli-gaza-strike-that-killed-five-journalists-2025-08-25/
World leaders and journalist groups reacted to an Israeli strike on Monday at Gaza Strip's Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others.
COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS:
"The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Israeli strikes that killed five journalists in Nasser hospital in southern Gaza and calls for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued unlawful attacks on the press."
U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP:
“When did this happen?”
“I didn't know that. Well, I’m not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON:
"This is intolerable: civilians and journalists must be protected in all circumstances. The media must be able to carry out their mission freely and independently to cover the reality of the conflict."
UNITED NATIONS SPOKESPERSON STEPHANE DUJARRIC:
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Those killed in addition to civilians included medical personnel and journalists.
"These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict.
They "must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for a prompt, and impartial investigation into these killings."
WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS:
"While people in #Gaza are being starved, their already limited access to health care is being further crippled by repeated attacks."
"We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on health care. Ceasefire now!
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/leaders-journalist-groups-react-israeli-gaza-strike-that-killed-five-journalists-2025-08-25/
Reuters
Leaders, journalist groups react to Israeli Gaza strike that killed five journalists
World leaders and journalist groups reacted to an Israeli strike on Monday at Gaza Strip's Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others.
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News: First #Egyptian troops to #AU support mission in #Somalia complete training
Somalia’s Ministry of Defense has welcomed the upcoming deployment of Egyptian troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following the completion of the first training program for Egyptian Armed Forces units.
The Ministry hailed the completion and said it “underscores Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and strengthening the capacity of the Somali National Army.”
Egypt’s involvement as a troop-contributing country comes in the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, triggered by Ethiopia’s January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. Although Mogadishu initially opposed Ethiopia’s participation in the new AU mission, both sides later reached an agreement on Ethiopian National Defense Force deployments under AUSSOM.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52085
Somalia’s Ministry of Defense has welcomed the upcoming deployment of Egyptian troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following the completion of the first training program for Egyptian Armed Forces units.
The Ministry hailed the completion and said it “underscores Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and strengthening the capacity of the Somali National Army.”
Egypt’s involvement as a troop-contributing country comes in the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, triggered by Ethiopia’s January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. Although Mogadishu initially opposed Ethiopia’s participation in the new AU mission, both sides later reached an agreement on Ethiopian National Defense Force deployments under AUSSOM.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52085
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#Op_ed: Broken Promise, Fragile Peace: Fallacy of #Pretoria peace agreement, regional repercussions
In November 2022, #Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA) in Pretoria, #South_Africa, ending the two-year bloody war. Yet, William N. Robinson, the author of this op-ed, contends, “peace remains elusive” due to the lack of full implementation of the Pretoria agreement, the absence of “provision for accountability or transitional justice,” and “exclusion” of #Eritrea’s leadership, #Amhara militias, and victims from Tigrayan civil society. He further emphasizes that Ethiopia and Eritrea currently are entangled in a "perilous cycle of hostile rhetoric," a situation that increases the risk of renewed conflict.
The author refers to recent events at the #UN, where Eritrea accused Ethiopia of "repeated provocations," while Ethiopia condemned Eritrea’s "territorial occupation" and its support for armed factions. He further highlights that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently intensifying, with “both nations engaging in military posturing,” and cautions that this situation, combined with unresolved internal conflicts in Ethiopia, creates a perilous environment where “even a minor misstep could escalate into full-scale war.”
The article also draws attention to the “glaring flaws” of the Pretoria peace agreement, stating that the agreement “treated only the symptoms of war while skirting its underlying drivers” while providing “no provision for accountability or transitional justice,” depending solely on “good faith” implementation without enforceable provisions. This is despite reports indicating that Eritrean forces committed “war crimes and possible crimes against humanity,” while Amhara militias continue to perpetrate widespread atrocities. In addition, over 800,000 people in #Tigray remain internally displaced, and efforts toward rehabilitation of former combatants and reconstruction have largely stalled.
The author emphasizes that sustainable peace requires enforcing Pretoria’s terms, integrating Eritrean and Amhara actors into dialogue, and centering Tigrayan civil society to prioritize “justice, repatriation, and reconstruction.” He warns, “Anything short of this will all but guarantee renewed conflict.”
https://addisstandard.com/broken-promise-fragile-peace-fallacy-of-pretoria-peace-agreement-regional-repercussions/
In November 2022, #Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (#TPLF) signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (#CoHA) in Pretoria, #South_Africa, ending the two-year bloody war. Yet, William N. Robinson, the author of this op-ed, contends, “peace remains elusive” due to the lack of full implementation of the Pretoria agreement, the absence of “provision for accountability or transitional justice,” and “exclusion” of #Eritrea’s leadership, #Amhara militias, and victims from Tigrayan civil society. He further emphasizes that Ethiopia and Eritrea currently are entangled in a "perilous cycle of hostile rhetoric," a situation that increases the risk of renewed conflict.
The author refers to recent events at the #UN, where Eritrea accused Ethiopia of "repeated provocations," while Ethiopia condemned Eritrea’s "territorial occupation" and its support for armed factions. He further highlights that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently intensifying, with “both nations engaging in military posturing,” and cautions that this situation, combined with unresolved internal conflicts in Ethiopia, creates a perilous environment where “even a minor misstep could escalate into full-scale war.”
The article also draws attention to the “glaring flaws” of the Pretoria peace agreement, stating that the agreement “treated only the symptoms of war while skirting its underlying drivers” while providing “no provision for accountability or transitional justice,” depending solely on “good faith” implementation without enforceable provisions. This is despite reports indicating that Eritrean forces committed “war crimes and possible crimes against humanity,” while Amhara militias continue to perpetrate widespread atrocities. In addition, over 800,000 people in #Tigray remain internally displaced, and efforts toward rehabilitation of former combatants and reconstruction have largely stalled.
The author emphasizes that sustainable peace requires enforcing Pretoria’s terms, integrating Eritrean and Amhara actors into dialogue, and centering Tigrayan civil society to prioritize “justice, repatriation, and reconstruction.” He warns, “Anything short of this will all but guarantee renewed conflict.”
https://addisstandard.com/broken-promise-fragile-peace-fallacy-of-pretoria-peace-agreement-regional-repercussions/
Addis Standard
Broken Promise, Fragile Peace: Fallacy of Pretoria peace agreement, regional repercussions - Addis Standard
Broken Promise, Fragile Peace: Fallacy of Pretoria peace agreement, regional repercussions Addis Standard Op/Ed -
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#Sarovar expands in #Horn_of_Africa with #Somaliland’s first international 5-s tar hotel
Somaliland inaugurated its first international five-star hotel as India’s Sarovar Hotels launched the Serene Sarovar Premiere Hargeisa, a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at boosting tourism and business travel in the Horn of Africa.
Developed over nine years by Somaliland entrepreneur Abdikarem Mohamed, the 134-room property features multiple restaurants, spa and wellness facilities, & conference halls with a capacity of up to 800 guests. Managed by Sarovar Hotels, part of France’s Louvre Hotels Group, the hotel also offers Sharia-compliant services to cater to both African and Gulf travelers.
The inauguration in Hargeisa was presided over by President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, who hailed the launch as “a symbol of Somaliland’s peace, stability, and growing investor confidence.”
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/somaliland-opens-first-international-5-star-hotel-as-sarovar-expands-in-east-africa/
Somaliland inaugurated its first international five-star hotel as India’s Sarovar Hotels launched the Serene Sarovar Premiere Hargeisa, a multi-million-dollar investment aimed at boosting tourism and business travel in the Horn of Africa.
Developed over nine years by Somaliland entrepreneur Abdikarem Mohamed, the 134-room property features multiple restaurants, spa and wellness facilities, & conference halls with a capacity of up to 800 guests. Managed by Sarovar Hotels, part of France’s Louvre Hotels Group, the hotel also offers Sharia-compliant services to cater to both African and Gulf travelers.
The inauguration in Hargeisa was presided over by President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, who hailed the launch as “a symbol of Somaliland’s peace, stability, and growing investor confidence.”
https://www.horndiplomat.com/2025/08/somaliland-opens-first-international-5-star-hotel-as-sarovar-expands-in-east-africa/
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Two killed in #Wolayita traffic accident as traffic fatalities rise to 26 in three days
Addis Ababa: Two people were killed in a traffic accident on 26 August 2025 in Daguna woreda of #Wolayita zone, police said
Elias Menta, Deputy Commander of Daguna district police, told Fana that the accident involved an Isuzu FSR truck transporting bulls for slaughter from Konso to Modjo
He said the crash occurred shortly after midnight, around 1:30 a.m., claiming the lives of the driver and his assistant at the scene.
All the bulls loaded on the truck also perished in the accident, while police said investigations are under way to determine the cause, according Fana
Addis Standard reported yesterday that 24 people were killed in traffic accidents in northern #Ethiopia over the past two days
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0aYsVHS5W2ZySsXZiUY7K6WF9WQQ1vVC4kig3M8uXbvVAWZtedUeqazPDdWr1EaqLl
Addis Ababa: Two people were killed in a traffic accident on 26 August 2025 in Daguna woreda of #Wolayita zone, police said
Elias Menta, Deputy Commander of Daguna district police, told Fana that the accident involved an Isuzu FSR truck transporting bulls for slaughter from Konso to Modjo
He said the crash occurred shortly after midnight, around 1:30 a.m., claiming the lives of the driver and his assistant at the scene.
All the bulls loaded on the truck also perished in the accident, while police said investigations are under way to determine the cause, according Fana
Addis Standard reported yesterday that 24 people were killed in traffic accidents in northern #Ethiopia over the past two days
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0aYsVHS5W2ZySsXZiUY7K6WF9WQQ1vVC4kig3M8uXbvVAWZtedUeqazPDdWr1EaqLl
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#Sudan’s displaced population drops by 1.65 million, #IOM reports
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has fallen by nearly 1.65 million since its peak in January 2025, according to a new report from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), primarily due to an increase in people returning to their homes.
As of late July 2025, an estimated 9,937,444 people were internally displaced across all 18 of Sudan’s states. This figure marks a significant decrease from the highest-ever recorded IDP population of approximately 11.5 million in January 2025.
The states experiencing the most significant relative decreases in their displaced populations were Kassala (20% decrease), Red Sea (14% decrease), and River Nile (11% decrease). Many of the IDPs previously hosted in these eastern states have been returning to their areas of origin in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, and other states.
While internal displacement numbers have decreased, ongoing conflict continues to force people from their homes, particularly in the Darfur region. Clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur, have led to repeated displacement, with many IDPs moving to other localities within the Darfur states.
https://sudantribune.com/article304355/
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has fallen by nearly 1.65 million since its peak in January 2025, according to a new report from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), primarily due to an increase in people returning to their homes.
As of late July 2025, an estimated 9,937,444 people were internally displaced across all 18 of Sudan’s states. This figure marks a significant decrease from the highest-ever recorded IDP population of approximately 11.5 million in January 2025.
The states experiencing the most significant relative decreases in their displaced populations were Kassala (20% decrease), Red Sea (14% decrease), and River Nile (11% decrease). Many of the IDPs previously hosted in these eastern states have been returning to their areas of origin in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, and other states.
While internal displacement numbers have decreased, ongoing conflict continues to force people from their homes, particularly in the Darfur region. Clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur, have led to repeated displacement, with many IDPs moving to other localities within the Darfur states.
https://sudantribune.com/article304355/
Sudan Tribune
Sudan’s displaced population drops by 1.65 million, IOM reports
August 26, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has fallen by nearly 1.65 million since its peak in January 2025, according to a new report from the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), primarily due…
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#Ethiopia: De Ruiter pledges support to flower farms in #Bishoftu hit by severe storm
Global flower breeder De Ruiter has pledged support to flower farms in Bishoftu, #Oromia region, after a hailstorm and strong winds on 6 August destroyed greenhouses on two major farms and caused serious damage to eight others.
The storm also led to power outages, significantly disrupting agricultural operations.
In a statement on 26 August, the company called the incident “a major loss to the growing flower industry in the region” and expressed readiness to assist affected producers. Meanwhile, reports indicate farms are struggling to recover amid frequent power cuts, shortages of imported materials, and mounting financial pressure from bank loans and taxes
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52095
Global flower breeder De Ruiter has pledged support to flower farms in Bishoftu, #Oromia region, after a hailstorm and strong winds on 6 August destroyed greenhouses on two major farms and caused serious damage to eight others.
The storm also led to power outages, significantly disrupting agricultural operations.
In a statement on 26 August, the company called the incident “a major loss to the growing flower industry in the region” and expressed readiness to assist affected producers. Meanwhile, reports indicate farms are struggling to recover amid frequent power cuts, shortages of imported materials, and mounting financial pressure from bank loans and taxes
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52095
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#Ethiopia: #Tigray Interim president warns #IDP return plans ‘bypassing’ administration risk reigniting conflict
Tigray Interim Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has warned that attempts to facilitate the return of IDPs to Western Tigray without resolving constitutional questions or involving the regional administration risk reigniting conflict. Speaking at the Ashenda festival on Friday, he said unilateral moves “are against the interests of the people of Tigray” and could undermine the region’s territorial integrity.
Merih Welay (PhD), chairman of Tsilal, told Addis Standard that their concerns are based on reports from displaced communities and civil society actors, warning that “return should not be rushed at the expense of safety, dignity, and rights.”
Meanwhile, UNOCHA clarified in an exclusive response to Addis Standard that it “is not aware of any registration processes currently underway” ......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52093
Tigray Interim Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede has warned that attempts to facilitate the return of IDPs to Western Tigray without resolving constitutional questions or involving the regional administration risk reigniting conflict. Speaking at the Ashenda festival on Friday, he said unilateral moves “are against the interests of the people of Tigray” and could undermine the region’s territorial integrity.
Merih Welay (PhD), chairman of Tsilal, told Addis Standard that their concerns are based on reports from displaced communities and civil society actors, warning that “return should not be rushed at the expense of safety, dignity, and rights.”
Meanwhile, UNOCHA clarified in an exclusive response to Addis Standard that it “is not aware of any registration processes currently underway” ......
https://addisstandard.com/?p=52093
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#Sudanese cabinet holds 1st meeting in #Khartoum since outbreak of war in 2023
The Sudanese cabinet held its first meeting in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday since the outbreak of fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
The state news agency SUNA called the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kamal Idris, “a symbolic step toward the return of state institutions to the capital, amid ongoing security arrangements to ensure stability.”
Before Tuesday’s meeting, the Sudanese government had been running the country’s affairs from its temporary seat in Port Sudan in the country’s east.
According to SUNA, the meeting discussed plans of all Sudanese ministries for the current year, with a special focus on public services, security, reconstruction, and ensuring the voluntary return of displaced residents.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudanese-cabinet-holds-1st-meeting-in-khartoum-since-outbreak-of-war-in-2023/3670033
The Sudanese cabinet held its first meeting in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday since the outbreak of fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
The state news agency SUNA called the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kamal Idris, “a symbolic step toward the return of state institutions to the capital, amid ongoing security arrangements to ensure stability.”
Before Tuesday’s meeting, the Sudanese government had been running the country’s affairs from its temporary seat in Port Sudan in the country’s east.
According to SUNA, the meeting discussed plans of all Sudanese ministries for the current year, with a special focus on public services, security, reconstruction, and ensuring the voluntary return of displaced residents.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/sudanese-cabinet-holds-1st-meeting-in-khartoum-since-outbreak-of-war-in-2023/3670033
Anadolu Agency
Sudanese cabinet holds 1st meeting in Khartoum since outbreak of war in 2023
Meeting discusses plans to restore public services, security, reconstruction
At least 34 #Colombian soldiers kidnapped after clashes with #FARC dissidents
At least 34 government soldiers have been kidnapped by armed civilians in a jungle in southeastern Colombia after clashes that killed 11 fighters, including a commander of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group, Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez says.
The fighting occurred on Sunday in a rural part of the El Retorno municipality in the province of Guaviare and involved members of the Central General Staff (EMC), a group of former fighters with the left-wing FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, who rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government.
Sanchez said on Tuesday that the soldiers were taken as they were evacuating the area after a military operation that killed an EMC commander and 10 other rebels.
“This is an illegal, criminal action by people in civilian clothing,” Sanchez told reporters. “This is a kidnapping.”
The jungle region is considered a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and is known for its extensive coca crops, the main ingredient used to produce cocaine.
It followed a similar abduction in June when the army said 57 soldiers were seized by civilians in a southwestern mountainous area, a key zone for cocaine production and one of the most tense in the country’s ongoing security crisis.
Last week, at least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in two attacks attributed to dissident FARC factions.
In Cali, the country’s third most populous city, a vehicle packed with explosives detonated on Thursday near a military aviation school, killing six people and injuring 71, according to the mayor’s office.
Hours earlier, a National Police Black Hawk helicopter participating in a coca crop eradication operation was downed by a drone in the municipality of Amalfi in the department of Antioquia, killing 12 police officers.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/at-least-34-colombian-soldiers-kidnapped-after-clashes-with-farc-dissidents
At least 34 government soldiers have been kidnapped by armed civilians in a jungle in southeastern Colombia after clashes that killed 11 fighters, including a commander of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group, Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez says.
The fighting occurred on Sunday in a rural part of the El Retorno municipality in the province of Guaviare and involved members of the Central General Staff (EMC), a group of former fighters with the left-wing FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, who rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government.
Sanchez said on Tuesday that the soldiers were taken as they were evacuating the area after a military operation that killed an EMC commander and 10 other rebels.
“This is an illegal, criminal action by people in civilian clothing,” Sanchez told reporters. “This is a kidnapping.”
The jungle region is considered a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and is known for its extensive coca crops, the main ingredient used to produce cocaine.
It followed a similar abduction in June when the army said 57 soldiers were seized by civilians in a southwestern mountainous area, a key zone for cocaine production and one of the most tense in the country’s ongoing security crisis.
Last week, at least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in two attacks attributed to dissident FARC factions.
In Cali, the country’s third most populous city, a vehicle packed with explosives detonated on Thursday near a military aviation school, killing six people and injuring 71, according to the mayor’s office.
Hours earlier, a National Police Black Hawk helicopter participating in a coca crop eradication operation was downed by a drone in the municipality of Amalfi in the department of Antioquia, killing 12 police officers.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/at-least-34-colombian-soldiers-kidnapped-after-clashes-with-farc-dissidents
Al Jazeera
At least 34 Colombian soldiers kidnapped after clashes with FARC dissidents
Defence minister says soldiers taken while evacuating area after a military operation that killed 11 rebels.
Two killed in landslide in #Kembata Zone, Central #Ethiopia region
Two people have been confirmed dead following a landslide in Zobecho Kebele, Angacha Woreda, in the Kembata Zone of the Central Ethiopia Regional State, according to the zonal communication office.
The landslide occurred around 11:00 p.m. on 26 August 2025 in Da’ena village, Arega Eshetu, chief administrator of the zone, said. He added that the incident, which struck the mountainous area at the foot of Mount Ambarcho, claimed the lives of two family members and caused property damage.
Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, Arega urged residents in other identified high-risk areas to take precautions against similar disasters. He also stated that the zonal administration will provide the necessary support to rehabilitate those affected.
Two people have been confirmed dead following a landslide in Zobecho Kebele, Angacha Woreda, in the Kembata Zone of the Central Ethiopia Regional State, according to the zonal communication office.
The landslide occurred around 11:00 p.m. on 26 August 2025 in Da’ena village, Arega Eshetu, chief administrator of the zone, said. He added that the incident, which struck the mountainous area at the foot of Mount Ambarcho, claimed the lives of two family members and caused property damage.
Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, Arega urged residents in other identified high-risk areas to take precautions against similar disasters. He also stated that the zonal administration will provide the necessary support to rehabilitate those affected.
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