#Sudan's Al Burhan holds talks with #Turkey's Erdogan in #Ankara
Sudan's Armed Forces chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday, the latest in a series of foreign visits amid mounting calls for a ceasefire in his country.
During talks at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan said the war had resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises worldwide, and that “actions amounting to crimes against humanity have been occurring”, reported the government's communications agency.
Erdogan said that co-operation would be “further advanced across numerous areas, including trade and agriculture, defence industry and mining”.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and more than 12 million have been displaced. Half the population − around 25 million − are facing hunger, with pockets of famine surfacing in parts of the country.
Both sides have been accused of atrocities. Gen Al Burhan has been placed under sanction by the US and accused of allowing his troops to use chemical weapons and block aid to specific regions. The RSF has been accused of war crimes in Al Fasher and Zamzam Camp.
Erdogan said Turkey wanted peace, stability, and the preservation of the territorial integrity of Sudan, and “expressed the goal of establishing lasting peace among the Sudanese people by achieving a ceasefire”, said the government statement.
Attempts by the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt − known as the Quad − to broker a humanitarian truce have not succeeded so far.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/sudans-army-chief-hold-talks-with-turkeys-president-erdogan-in-ankara/
Sudan's Armed Forces chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday, the latest in a series of foreign visits amid mounting calls for a ceasefire in his country.
During talks at the Presidential Complex, Erdogan said the war had resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises worldwide, and that “actions amounting to crimes against humanity have been occurring”, reported the government's communications agency.
Erdogan said that co-operation would be “further advanced across numerous areas, including trade and agriculture, defence industry and mining”.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and more than 12 million have been displaced. Half the population − around 25 million − are facing hunger, with pockets of famine surfacing in parts of the country.
Both sides have been accused of atrocities. Gen Al Burhan has been placed under sanction by the US and accused of allowing his troops to use chemical weapons and block aid to specific regions. The RSF has been accused of war crimes in Al Fasher and Zamzam Camp.
Erdogan said Turkey wanted peace, stability, and the preservation of the territorial integrity of Sudan, and “expressed the goal of establishing lasting peace among the Sudanese people by achieving a ceasefire”, said the government statement.
Attempts by the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt − known as the Quad − to broker a humanitarian truce have not succeeded so far.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/sudans-army-chief-hold-talks-with-turkeys-president-erdogan-in-ankara/
The National
Sudan's Al Burhan holds talks with Turkey's Erdogan in Ankara | The National
Turkish leader says his country wants peace in Sudan and to preserve its 'territorial integrity'
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News: Inside #Ethiopia’s TikTok detentions: law, culture, freedom of expression, and what’s at stake for young creators
Ethiopian authorities say recent detentions of #TikTok creators are intended to protect cultural values & young audiences, but TikTok creators & a legal expert warn that the measures are already reshaping online expression and raise unresolved constitutional questions.
TikTok creators who spoke to Addis Standard, requesting anonymity, said the detentions have changed how they assess risk.
Similarly, another emerging TikToker with lifestyle-focused content, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said he now avoids sensitive topics that ‘do not align with the regime,’ limiting himself to issues already covered by mainstream outlets.
A lawyer who spoke to Addis Standard said these responses reflect a broader chilling effect when enforcement is unpredictable. “People do not .....
Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed echoed this rationale on ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54329
Ethiopian authorities say recent detentions of #TikTok creators are intended to protect cultural values & young audiences, but TikTok creators & a legal expert warn that the measures are already reshaping online expression and raise unresolved constitutional questions.
TikTok creators who spoke to Addis Standard, requesting anonymity, said the detentions have changed how they assess risk.
Similarly, another emerging TikToker with lifestyle-focused content, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said he now avoids sensitive topics that ‘do not align with the regime,’ limiting himself to issues already covered by mainstream outlets.
A lawyer who spoke to Addis Standard said these responses reflect a broader chilling effect when enforcement is unpredictable. “People do not .....
Prime Minister #Abiy Ahmed echoed this rationale on ....
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54329
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#Israel announces official recognition of #Somaliland as independent state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, Netanyahu said the recognition was formalized through a “joint and mutual declaration” signed together with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. He described the declaration as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” which were signed under the initiative of US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said he congratulated President Abdirahman on what he described as a “historic declaration,” praising his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1KJoAcPYSc/
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, Netanyahu said the recognition was formalized through a “joint and mutual declaration” signed together with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. He described the declaration as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” which were signed under the initiative of US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said he congratulated President Abdirahman on what he described as a “historic declaration,” praising his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1KJoAcPYSc/
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#Editorial: In #Tigray, starvation has replaced shells as a weapon of #war. This ruin must end!
The deaths now reported from Tigray’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are neither sudden nor unforeseeable. They are the cumulative result of political failure, economic collapse, and the deliberate neglect, by both federal and regional authorities, of repeated early warnings, long after the guns fell silent.
Hundreds have died since July 2024 alone, collapsing after days without food, medicine, or care. Elderly people, women, and children are bearing the brunt.
This is starvation in plain sight.
But this starvation ravaging Tigray’s IDP camps is not simply a shortage of food. It is the consequence of a systemic, deeper collapse: livelihoods destroyed by war, markets left to wither, and community support systems, once the first responders in times of crisis, systematically dismantled.
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-in-tigray-starvation-has-replaced-shells-as-a-weapon-of-war-this-ruin-must-end/
The deaths now reported from Tigray’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are neither sudden nor unforeseeable. They are the cumulative result of political failure, economic collapse, and the deliberate neglect, by both federal and regional authorities, of repeated early warnings, long after the guns fell silent.
Hundreds have died since July 2024 alone, collapsing after days without food, medicine, or care. Elderly people, women, and children are bearing the brunt.
This is starvation in plain sight.
But this starvation ravaging Tigray’s IDP camps is not simply a shortage of food. It is the consequence of a systemic, deeper collapse: livelihoods destroyed by war, markets left to wither, and community support systems, once the first responders in times of crisis, systematically dismantled.
https://addisstandard.com/editorial-in-tigray-starvation-has-replaced-shells-as-a-weapon-of-war-this-ruin-must-end/
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Update: #Egypt, #Somalia, #Turkey, and #Djibouti reject #Israel’s official recognition of #Somaliland
Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti have jointly rejected and condemned Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on Friday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the four countries’ foreign ministers held consultations in which they expressed their “total rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s move, stressing their “full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“They also underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2004603572596441272?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti have jointly rejected and condemned Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement released on Friday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the four countries’ foreign ministers held consultations in which they expressed their “total rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s move, stressing their “full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“They also underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
Read more: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/2004603572596441272?s=46&t=ofAzVW8-64dDK-xsjodCGA
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#In_Pictures: Pictures emerging from #Somaliland’s capital #Hargeisa show scenes of public celebration following Israel’s announced recognition of Somaliland.
Crowds gathered along major streets and in public squares, many waving Somaliland’s green, white, and red tricolour, some draped over shoulders.
Photos: Via Abdirashid Ibrahim
Crowds gathered along major streets and in public squares, many waving Somaliland’s green, white, and red tricolour, some draped over shoulders.
Photos: Via Abdirashid Ibrahim
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#Breaking- #AU rejects recognition of #Somaliland, reaffirms “unwavering commitment to #Somalia’s unity and sovereignty”
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has rejected any move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, and reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty” of Somalia.
In a statement issued in response to what he described as “recent developments relating to Somaliland,” Youssouf said the African Union “unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” which it said is anchored in the principles of its Constitutive Act.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Em8Vxxbma/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has rejected any move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, and reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty” of Somalia.
In a statement issued in response to what he described as “recent developments relating to Somaliland,” Youssouf said the African Union “unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” which it said is anchored in the principles of its Constitutive Act.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Em8Vxxbma/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#Tigray Interim Administration President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede on #IDP situation
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede highlighted that the current conditions in Tigray’s IDP camps, while primarily a humanitarian crisis, also carry the risk of a relapse into conflict.
“There are calls for peace, but sustaining it requires addressing these urgent issues,” he said, cautioning that what begins as a humanitarian crisis could escalate into a broader security threat, not only for Tigray but for the entire region.
Watch
Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede highlighted that the current conditions in Tigray’s IDP camps, while primarily a humanitarian crisis, also carry the risk of a relapse into conflict.
“There are calls for peace, but sustaining it requires addressing these urgent issues,” he said, cautioning that what begins as a humanitarian crisis could escalate into a broader security threat, not only for Tigray but for the entire region.
Watch
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#Trump tells The Post he’s not ready to embrace #Somaliland independence — unlike pal Netanyahu
President Trump told The Post that he won’t quickly follow #Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland — saying he has to “study” his longtime Mideast ally’s pitch on behalf of the breakaway republic.
Israel on Friday became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland’s split from anarchic Somalia and Netanyahu vowed to deliver a message to Trump, with whom he is meeting Monday.
“I’ll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a video call celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough.
But Trump said that he wasn’t swayed and expects his talks with Netanyahu will prioritize the Gaza Strip, where Trump brokered an October cease-fire...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02hRzZ5BTu4wKJsYxPS3DpaAULrt6HPkzXJmjYMTmL1d2MGvfk2Ce9MW3A2aycBqkBl
President Trump told The Post that he won’t quickly follow #Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing the independence of Somaliland — saying he has to “study” his longtime Mideast ally’s pitch on behalf of the breakaway republic.
Israel on Friday became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland’s split from anarchic Somalia and Netanyahu vowed to deliver a message to Trump, with whom he is meeting Monday.
“I’ll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a video call celebrating the diplomatic breakthrough.
But Trump said that he wasn’t swayed and expects his talks with Netanyahu will prioritize the Gaza Strip, where Trump brokered an October cease-fire...
https://web.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02hRzZ5BTu4wKJsYxPS3DpaAULrt6HPkzXJmjYMTmL1d2MGvfk2Ce9MW3A2aycBqkBl
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Feature: Mass starvation, disease stalk displaced civilians in #Tigray amid shrinking humanitarian support
In the tiny, hard-to-reach village of #Hitsats in #Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of internally displaced persons, an unprecedented famine is unfolding with devastating consequences.
Alem Dessalgen, 70, has buried most of her family members and friends this year. She is now struggling to save her only surviving son, but time is running out as famine continues to claim lives.
Her son, who suffers from a mental health condition, no longer eats regularly. His medication has been interrupted, and amid shrinking humanitarian support, Alem now begs on the streets in the hope of finding help.
Watching her son’s condition deteriorate has been devastating. With food and medicine out of reach, she has been forced to chain him to his bed to prevent harm, even as anguish takes a heavy toll on both of them...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54343
In the tiny, hard-to-reach village of #Hitsats in #Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of internally displaced persons, an unprecedented famine is unfolding with devastating consequences.
Alem Dessalgen, 70, has buried most of her family members and friends this year. She is now struggling to save her only surviving son, but time is running out as famine continues to claim lives.
Her son, who suffers from a mental health condition, no longer eats regularly. His medication has been interrupted, and amid shrinking humanitarian support, Alem now begs on the streets in the hope of finding help.
Watching her son’s condition deteriorate has been devastating. With food and medicine out of reach, she has been forced to chain him to his bed to prevent harm, even as anguish takes a heavy toll on both of them...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54343
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News: #IGAD, #Arab_League, #GCC reject Israel’s recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of #Somaliland
Regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the #Chinese government, have rejected Israel’s reported recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, & territorial integrity.
In a statement issued by its Secretariat, IGAD said it had taken note of recent developments in the Horn of Africa, including announcements regarding #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The regional bloc reaffirmed that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fully recognized under international law.
China also reaffirmed its position in support of Somalia. In a statement posted on its official X account, the Chinese ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54351
Regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the #Chinese government, have rejected Israel’s reported recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, & territorial integrity.
In a statement issued by its Secretariat, IGAD said it had taken note of recent developments in the Horn of Africa, including announcements regarding #Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The regional bloc reaffirmed that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fully recognized under international law.
China also reaffirmed its position in support of Somalia. In a statement posted on its official X account, the Chinese ...
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54351
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News: #Tigray statistics agency says #Fayda national ID registration in Western, Southern zones violates regional sovereignty
The Tigray Statistics and Vital Events Registration Agency has raised concerns over the issuance of the National Digital Identity Card, known as Fayda, in parts of #Western and #Southern Tigray, warning that current registration practices undermine the region’s constitutionally defined boundaries and sovereignty.
In an official letter addressed to the National ID Program on Friday, the Agency said Fayda registration activities conducted since last year in areas including #Humera, #Raya, #Tsegede, and #Welkait have failed to respect Tigray’s legally recognized territorial jurisdiction.
“The areas in question are constitutionally recognized as part of the Tigray Region,” the Agency said, adding that the manner in which registration is being carried out does not reflect this status and risks contributing to demographic changes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54354
The Tigray Statistics and Vital Events Registration Agency has raised concerns over the issuance of the National Digital Identity Card, known as Fayda, in parts of #Western and #Southern Tigray, warning that current registration practices undermine the region’s constitutionally defined boundaries and sovereignty.
In an official letter addressed to the National ID Program on Friday, the Agency said Fayda registration activities conducted since last year in areas including #Humera, #Raya, #Tsegede, and #Welkait have failed to respect Tigray’s legally recognized territorial jurisdiction.
“The areas in question are constitutionally recognized as part of the Tigray Region,” the Agency said, adding that the manner in which registration is being carried out does not reflect this status and risks contributing to demographic changes.
Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54354
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Missed the week’s biggest stories?
Here’s your Addis Standard Weekly News Recap — all the key headlines, explained and in one place.
▶️ Watch now on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O1e6fhGezcA?si=PequNxApSJ_QDlWN
Here’s your Addis Standard Weekly News Recap — all the key headlines, explained and in one place.
▶️ Watch now on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/O1e6fhGezcA?si=PequNxApSJ_QDlWN
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Update: #EU joins #AU, others in reaffirming support for #Somalia’s unity, calls for dialogue with #Somaliland
The European Union (EU) has become the latest international actor to reaffirm its support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, aligning itself with similar positions recently reiterated by the African Union.
Earlier, Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia had also issued similar statements affirming Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, reflecting a growing convergence among regional and international actors around support for Mogadishu’s position.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16s2wHN9rR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The European Union (EU) has become the latest international actor to reaffirm its support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, aligning itself with similar positions recently reiterated by the African Union.
Earlier, Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia had also issued similar statements affirming Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, reflecting a growing convergence among regional and international actors around support for Mogadishu’s position.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16s2wHN9rR/?mibextid=wwXIfr