Addis Standard

#Ethiopia: Rights group warns of ‘extreme distress and danger’ for #Tigrayan refugees in #Sudan Human Rights First Ethiopia, a local human rights group, has raised concerns about Tigrayan refugees in eastern Sudan as conflict approaches refugee camps. The organization calls for urgent relocation of approximately 40,000 refugees to western Tigray or third countries. Read the full article on Tigrayan refugees in Sudan using the link below: https://addisstandard.com/?p=44721

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim admin launches crackdown on crime The Tigray Interim Administration has unveiled a new initiative to combat crime and uphold justice in the region. According to a statement on its official Facebook page, this action follows extensive investigations by committees formed after the November 2022 #Pretoria peace agreement. "The Tigray Interim Administration has now completed its investigations and made significant progress on cases at various levels," the statement read, noting that the administration "has begun detaining suspects involved in serious crimes that have been plaguing the region." While the announcement did not provide specific details about the crimes investigated or the arrests made, an anonymous regional official disclosed to Addis Standard that "detentions include high-ranking military and political leaders identified during the investigation."

#Ethiopia: Human rights council urges gov’t action as 'most' kidnapped university students remain in captivity The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (#EHRC) reports that many students kidnapped on 03 July, 2024, while traveling from #Debark University to #Addis_Abeba, remain in captivity. The incident, occurring near #Garba_Guracha in #Oromia, has led to conflicting reports about the students' fate. The Oromia Communication Service Bureau announced on July 10 that 160 out of 167 kidnapped students were freed through a government operation. However, some parents dispute this, claiming they are still in contact with kidnappers demanding ransom. The EHRC calls for urgent government action to secure the students' release and hold the perpetrators accountable, highlighting an alarming rise in kidnappings in Ethiopia. The organization emphasizes the need to protect citizens' rights to life, safety, and freedom of movement. https://addisstandard.com/?p=44715

Underlying proliferation of armed conflicts and worsening security crisis in #Ethiopia Ethiopia has faced prolonged conflict since 2019, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power. The #Tigray war, despite a peace deal, continues to see security issues due to delayed implementation, particularly regarding the return of IDPs and DDR for Tigrayan fighters. The #Oromia and #Amhara regions are also plagued by militarized conflicts with groups like the Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) and #Fano, severely impacting socio-economic activities and civilian safety. Experts attribute the crisis to multiple factors, including the lack of a consensus on Ethiopia’s political transition, entrenched insurgent activities, and deep structural issues. Ethno-nationalism, conflicting ideologies, and disputes over state structure exacerbate tensions. The country’s federalism, criticized for emphasizing ethnicity over true democratic norms, adds to the complexity. Socio-economic marginalization, unresolved ethnic rivalries, and governance failures fuel the conflict. Land disputes among various ethnic groups and the failure to address these issues result in violence. Corruption and lack of accountability further erode public trust, contributing to the rise of armed groups. https://addisstandard.com/?p=44706

#US Ambassador visits #Somaliland to encourage dialogue and regional security U. S. ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley arrived in the capital of Somaliland, #Hargeisa, to encourage dialogue and regional security, the US embassy said in a statement.  In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador Riley’s visit reaffirmed the United States’ longstanding commitment to supporting prosperity, democratic institutions, and stability in Somaliland. His discussions focused on enhancing regional cooperation and dialogue to address pressing diplomatic and security challenges. “Amb Riley Reiterated the United States’ longstanding commitment to supporting prosperity and democratic institutions in the region, He encouraged regional cooperation and dialogue to solve diplomatic and security challenges and discussed with government officials the importance of adhering to election timelines.” the statement said “Ambassador Riley met with private sector leaders to encourage further ties to the U.S. business community. He emphasized the importance of a vibrant civil society and a free and professional press.” Meanwhile, The President Republic of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi received his office with the US Ambassador Richard H. Riley and the two sides discussed regional affairs, fostering cooperation. “I was honored to receive U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley on his visit to the Republic of Somaliland. We discussed regional affairs, fostering cooperation in the Horn of Africa, upcoming elections, and strengthening relations between Somaliland and the United States of America.” https://www.horndiplomat.com/2024/07/12/u-s-ambassador-visits-somaliland-to-encourage-dialogue-and-regional-security/

#Kenya - Police boss IG Japhet Koome resigns Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has resigned. The Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Douglas Kanja will take over from Koome as the acting IG. "His Excellency Hon William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service." President William Ruto has appointed Eliud Langat as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service. Ruto has further appointed James Kamau as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service. Ruto nominated IG Koome in September 2022 to the position of Inspector General of Police. He was vetted and both the National and Senate Assembly gave Koome a clean bill of health for the role. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2024-07-12-police-boss-ig-japhet-koome-resigns/

#Ethiopia: Underlying proliferation of armed conflicts and worsening security crisis in Ethiopia Ethiopia has experienced ongoing militarized conflict since 2019, a year after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office. This unrest involves government forces, sub-state, and non-state actors. Notable instances include the #Tigray war and ongoing conflicts in the #Oromia and #Amhara regions. Experts attribute the proliferation of armed conflicts and the worsening security crisis in Ethiopia to multiple factors. Michael Woldemariam, a political scientist at the University of #Maryland, highlights the absence of a broadly accepted roadmap for the country’s post-2018 political transition as a key issue. He notes that without a consensus on the transition, political differences are likely to escalate into violence. Kjetil Tronvoll, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at #Oslo New University College, emphasizes that Ethiopia's security crisis is deeply rooted in historical and structural issues, compounded by competing ethno-nationalism and conflicting ideologies. He stresses that these core issues have exacerbated the security challenges. The experts agree that addressing Ethiopia’s security crisis requires a comprehensive approach. They emphasize the need for a credible, inclusive national dialogue involving all stakeholders to address historical grievances, ensure accountability, and promote reconciliation. Implementing inclusive democratic policies is seen as essential to building trust among Ethiopia's ethnically diverse population and achieving lasting peace. https://addisstandard.com/underlying-proliferation-of-armed-conflicts-and-worsening-security-crisis-in-ethiopia/

#Sudan orders foreigners to leave #Khartoum Sudanese security authorities have instructed all foreigners to leave the capital Khartoum and surrounding areas within two weeks. The police department responsible for foreign residents cited safety concerns amid ongoing conflict between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) militia. Reports indicate increasing tensions towards foreigners, particularly those from other African countries, following allegations of foreign mercenaries within RSF ranks. Recently, over 150 foreigners without valid residence documents were detained. The conflict in Sudan has displaced nearly 10 million people and raised concerns of famine, according to the #UN. Most international aid workers and diplomats relocated to Port Sudan after fighting began in Khartoum, where the situation remains relatively stable. https://punchng.com/sudan-orders-foreigners-to-leave-khartoum/

#Ethiopia: Elleni Centime Zeleke – ‘brilliant and brave, fierce and funny’: Columbia University “Reading the archives of statecraft in Ethiopia and the region, she criticized a present-day inability to think of “multiple paths towards modern state formation in Africa.” Building upon the interdisciplinary approach of Ethiopia in Theory, Centime juxtaposed trenchant political analysis with bracingly personal reflections, framed as a series of ‘Letters to My Father in a Time of Civil War.’ ” https://addisstandard.com/?p=44698

#Ethiopia: KEFI Gold and Copper adds new non-executive director KEFI Gold and Copper PLC has appointed Ethiopian businessman Addis Alemayehou as an independent non-executive director. Alemayehou, chairman of the diversified investment firm Kazana Group, will join the board after the company's Annual General Meeting on July 22. Addis Alemayehou is known for his entrepreneurial ventures in Ethiopia's media sector, including the launch of Kana TV and Afro FM. He also holds a board position with Dangote Industries in Ethiopia. Harry Adams, KEFI's executive chairman, stated that Alemayehou's "experience and relationships in Ethiopia will be invaluable" as the company advances its Tulu Kapi Gold Project. Previously, KEFI Gold and Copper announced progress in securing funding for this high-grade gold project. https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1051769/kefi-gold-strengthens-board-with-new-non-exec-1051769.html?rel=scroll