Sudan Army Chief Declares Capital 'Free'

By Al Mayadeen English

26 Mar 2025 21:48

On Wednesday, the army said that it had taken control of the Tiba al-Hassanab camp south of the city, which it characterized as the RSF's final foothold in central Sudan.

Sudan's army leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, arrived at Khartoum's presidential palace on Wednesday, pronouncing the capital "free" from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after almost two years of conflict.

"Khartoum is free, it's done," Burhan, Sudan's de facto leader, declared in a state television broadcast, ending a multi-day battle by his forces to retake downtown Khartoum's public institutions from paramilitary control.

Sudan's army announced Friday it had regained control of the presidential palace in Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces following intense fighting. On social media, soldiers shared videos appearing inside the presidential palace, exchanging congratulations. 

An army source stated that forces had already surrounded the RSF in its final major position in the Khartoum region, just south of the city center.

Military spokesperson Nabil Abdallah told AFP that the troops had reclaimed and "fully secured" Khartoum airport, where RSF forces had been stationed for nearly two years.

The capture comes a day after the army was accused of carrying out one of the war's most lethal air raids, killing dozens in a Darfur market, according to the United Nations. Witnesses say they found 270 bodies buried.

Following their seizure of the presidential palace in a crucial battlefield victory on Friday, the army swept into central Khartoum, wiping out paramilitary groups.

"The remnants of the RSF militia are fleeing" over the White Nile, said the army source to AFP, who asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

According to the source, the paramilitaries were utilizing the Jebel Awliya bridge as their last remaining route out of Khartoum, connecting to RSF positions west of the city and subsequently to its strongholds in Darfur.

Across Khartoum, witnesses and activists claimed this week that RSF fighters were retiring south, ostensibly towards Jebel Awliya.

UNDP Eyeing African Youth to Drive Continent’s Progress

March 25, 2025

ADDIS ABABA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the critical need to empower and amplify the voices of Africa’s youth to achieve the continent’s development goals.

In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa Ahunna Eziakonwa stated that unlocking the potential of young people is essential for Africa to realize its vision of shared prosperity.

She expressed optimism that Africa could become a continent where conflict is a thing of the past within the next five to ten years.

Ahunna highlighted economic empowerment as a key factor in giving youth a meaningful voice, citing Burundi’s commendable efforts in supporting its young population.

“I witnessed unique initiatives, such as the establishment of a youth bank and support for youth enterprises, with a strong focus on education, in collaboration with the private sector,” she said.

“Despite Burundi’s economic challenges, the leadership’s commitment to youth empowerment is vital for ensuring their voices are heard. The UNDP is proud to support the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) initiative, which underscores our dedication,” Ahunna added.

She acknowledged that many young people are deprived of education due to conflict, stressing the importance of providing them with access to continued education.

Ahunna underscored the crucial role of youth in peace building, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She advocated for empowering youth ambassadors to mediate conflicts and speak truth to power.

BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 25 MARCH

From Regional to Global: Ethiopia’s Bold Trade Agenda Amid Economic Shifts

March 25, 2025

Since the government launched economic reforms, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been key agenda items in strengthening the country’s trade relations at both regional and global levels. While AfCFTA implementation is underway, Ethiopia’s WTO accession process is in its final stages.

The country is also achieving record-breaking export earnings, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated while addressing MPs recently.

WTO accession, which supports the effective implementation of the AfCFTA and underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering economic growth by integrating its markets with regional and global partners.

Trade and Regional Integration Minister KassahunGofe (PhD), who led last week’s negotiating team to secure WTO membership, emphasized that Ethiopia has received support from multiple countries for its efforts to align trade policies with international standards. He noted that reaching agreements on market access and finalizing necessary domestic policy adjustments are critical steps in the process.

According to him, WTO membership is expected to bring multiple benefits to Ethiopia’s trade landscape. If Ethiopia successfully joins the WTO, the country will gain greater access to international markets, improve investor confidence, and enhance the predictability of its trade policies. By securing support from global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the European Investment Fund, Ethiopia is laying the groundwork for a more stable and competitive trade environment, he highlighted.

Furthermore, Ethiopia’s trade reforms over the past years reflect its ambition to integrate more effectively into global supply chains. While the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges delayed earlier negotiations, the renewed push for WTO membership demonstrates the country’s determination to create a more open and rules-based trade system, he added.

If successful, Ethiopia’s accession will send a strong signal to international investors and trading partners that it is committed to modernizing its economy and expanding its trade potential.

On the other hand, Ethiopia’s push for global trade integration is complemented by its strong export performance. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently told MPs that the country’s export revenue over the past eight months has exceeded all previous annual records. This achievement underscores Ethiopia’s ability to leverage its economic potential through diversified trade strategies.

It was stated that Ethiopia generated 4.5 billion USD in export earnings within just eight months. With additional revenue from services, remittances, and foreign direct investment, the country is demonstrating resilience despite global economic uncertainties. The government’s emphasis on industrial capital goods and raw material imports further highlights Ethiopia’s strategy to build a robust production sector that supports both domestic and export-oriented industries, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.

Ethiopia’s active engagement in Africa’s trade integration agenda through the AfCFTA is also expected to enhance intra-African trade and reduce dependence on external markets. The recent Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) conference in Addis Ababa reinforced the importance of coordinated strategies for effective AfCFTA implementation. Discussions emphasized the need for regional value chains, digital trade, and investment in youth empowerment to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.

While Ethiopia is making progress in its trade ambitions, challenges remain. WTO accession, though promising, requires continued reforms in trade policy, legal frameworks, and institutional capacity. Similarly, while the AfCFTA holds great potential, its full implementation will require sustained efforts to address logistical, infrastructural, and policy-related barriers, as reports from Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration show.

Despite these challenges, Ethiopia’s proactive trade policies, growing export capacity, and commitment to economic integration indicate that the country is on the right path toward becoming a major player in both regional and global trade networks.

BY YESUF ENDRIS

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 25 MARCH

All Parties’ Commitment Key for the Success of Pretoria Pact

March 26, 2025

The peace agreement signed between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Pretoria, South Africa, marks a historic milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace and stability in the Tigray State.

This agreement has brought about encouraging progress, notably in silencing the guns in Tigray State, facilitating the provision of much-needed humanitarian aid to the people, and restoring basic services.

Additionally, it has enabled the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective areas, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. Beyond its immediate impact, the deal has also demonstrated Ethiopian government’s strong commitment to peace.

At the same time, the peace accord offers a valuable lesson for other neighboring nations grappling with conflict, proving that peaceful dialogue and negotiation can effectively resolve differences and restore peace and stability.

In recent responses to queries raised from parliamentarians, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated the Pretoria Peace Agreement as a model for conflict resolution. The Premier emphasized the pact’s importance not only for Ethiopia in terms of addressing differences and preventing conflicts, but also as an example for other nations facing similar challenges. The agreement reflects Ethiopia’s dedication to peace and serves as a platform for broader regional and global cooperation in conflict resolution, the PM remarked.

Undoubtedly, the Pretoria Peace Agreement represents a monumental achievement in ending the two-year-long conflict and alleviating the suffering of the people in Tigray and the surrounding areas. It also holds great promise for restoring lasting peace and stability, not only within Tigray but also in the broader region.

However, this promise can only be realized if all parties involved are committed to effectively implement the agreement and work untiringly to turn the terms into a reality, without any fragmentation, making peace a lasting outcome for the people of Tigray and beyond.

The government has demonstrated its commitment to this process, signaling its dedication to upholding the terms of the deal accordingly. However, the endeavors of the government alone cannot bring about the desired success of this peace initiative. It is equally important for other parties involved to fulfill their obligations and take practical steps toward reconciliation. It is only through collective effort and mutual respect sustainable peace can be achieved.

Despite the significant progress has been made thus far, some terms of the Pretoria Agreement, particularly those concerning disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), remain unaddressed in full accordance with the terms outlined.

For peace to truly take root in Tigray, it is essential that all parties involved demonstrate unwavering dedication, perseverance, and genuine engagement with a focus on rebuilding trust, ensuring accountability, and fostering cooperation. Going beyond formal signatures and promises, the determination must be expressed through tangible actions that pave the way for long-term peace and stability.

In short, sustaining lasting peace in Tigray goes beyond merely resolving political differences; it also demands fostering a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. Therefore, sustained engagement from all involved parties is critical. In this respect, following the commitment seen by the government, the other parties should also work diligently to effectively implement the Pretoria Peace Agreement for the benefit of all- to ensure lasting peace, maintain prosperity. Likewise, the international community must play a crucial role in supporting the peace process in every possible way as well as ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

The Need to Ensure Quality of Life in Africa’s Urban Centers

March 26, 2025

Various sources indicate that urbanization in Africa is growing rapidly year by year. There are different factors mentioned for the rapid growth. For instance, one of the reasons for the rapid growth of that compels people flock en masse to urban centers. Among them are climate change the need for better education, health, job, security … etc.

This shows that a large proportion of a society prefer to inhabit urban areas if opportunities are available. This is mainly because urban areas are much preferable for the life of people due to many reasons. People can enjoy more job opportunities, transport, trade, health, public service etc. in urban areas. Indeed many sources justify the reasons for the large scale rural urban migration, especially of youth, as an attempt to secure better jobs or educational opportunities, among others.

In other words urban areas are more preferred for the Quality of Life (QoL) they offer to their residents. Quality of Life can be seen in various ways as they are defined by various institutions and authorities. For instance the World Health Organization (WHO) defines QoL as “individuals’ perceptions of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”. It is a broad ranging concept incorporating in a complex way the persons’ physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs and their relationships to salient features of the environment.

WHOs definition of QoL focuses on how people agree about the quality of life they are living in and is subject to their knowledge and choice. Yet QoL can be defined in such a way that it can be agreed universally as to what should be done to fulfill peoples need for a decent, safe living as humans.

Other organizations also try to define QoL to a large extent to its health and social impacts. This being a major point, it is also important to focus on its relation with many other factors like, jobs, transportation, housing, education … etc which directly or indirectly related to health, wellbeing and better socio-economic situation.

Still urban areas can be classified in various categories or levels based on the extent to which they provide ease or comfort for their residents. After decades of labeling as the Dark Continent Africa is now becoming a hub of global economic hope. Despite the challenges that it is still facing, Africa is now known to be a place of rapid economic development that is manifested, among other things, by its fast urbanization.

Now that Africa is paddling the journey towards the fastest growing continent, it is important to guide the process through well-organized and studied initiative. While the growth of urban areas is welcome, it is also important to ensure that they provide all the necessary facilities that the residents gather in search of. Otherwise, the immigrants would end up in poverty and converting the urban areas into slum settlements.

Considering the vitality of Quality of Life (QoL) especially in urban areas, the UN Habitat undertakes assessment of situation of living. According to a Press Release from the UNECA, this year, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is set to mobilize stakeholders in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to improve urban living conditions through UN-Habitat’s Quality of Life Initiative.

As African cities grow rapidly, ensuring that urbanization leads to better living standards remains a pressing challenge. The Quality of Life Initiative equips local authorities with the data and insights they need to ensure that urban expansion benefits every resident.

Central to the Initiative is the Quality of Life Index, which gives local authorities a pulse-check of urban life across nine critical domains, including access to basic services, housing and economic opportunities.

What sets the Index apart is its adaptability. It combines global benchmarks from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with local priorities identified by city stakeholders, enabling each municipality to develop a bespoke index that reflects its unique context, values and priorities. This evidence-based approach enables local authorities to make targeted decisions and measure their precise impact.

At the request of participating countries, ECA will bring together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, urban planners, national statistical office representatives and community leaders, in the coming months to discuss the core elements of a good quality of life and identify areas for improvement.

“Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe are at the forefront of Africa’s urban transformation,” said Ms. Atkeyelsh Persson, Chief of ECA’s Urbanization and Development Section. “Urban growth is inevitable, but the quality of life it delivers is not guaranteed. Metrics like GDP might tell us how an economy is performing, but it says nothing about whether people in cities have clean water, safe public spaces or reliable public transport.”

“Without real data on the human experience, decision-makers are left navigating urban development in the dark,” said Mr. Giuseppe Tesoriere, ECA’s focal point for the Quality of Life Initiative.

“But there’s a strong appetite for change. City leaders want better tools to understand what truly improves daily life — and how to make it happen. That’s where our Quality of Life Initiative comes in. We look forward to working with stakeholders in these four countries to explore urban policy proposals that put people first,” he added.

Despite a growing global focus on people-centered urban development, many African cities face major challenges, such as fragmented efforts, competing priorities and data gaps, that hinder effective decision-making.

The Quality of Life Index addresses these challenges by integrating with Africa’s expanding Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process — a city-led assessment that monitors progress on the SDGs and fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The Index creates synergies with the VLR data to create an actionable tool that local authorities can use to gain a clearer picture of urban life and make data-driven improvements in the lives of city residents.

The Press Release indicated that ECA works in close collaboration with the Quality of Life Initiative to scale up the Index in cities across Africa. The Quality of Life Initiative actively engages with the UN Regional Economic Commissions to mobilize the participation of cities and local governments globally, providing technical support and capacity-building to help them adopt and implement the Quality of Life Index as a tool for urban development and policymaking.

BY ZEKARIAS WOLDEMARIAM

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Ethiopia’s Moves to Meet EUDR

March 26, 2025

ADDIS ABABA -The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) has underlined that a combined effort is urgently needed to meet the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR).

The Ministry organized a half-day high-level meeting yesterday to raise awareness on EUDR preparation, engaging senior government officials.

In his opening speech, MoTRI State Minister Endalew Mekonnen said that a timely approach to leveraging the EU market is through exporting quality products.

Ethiopia strives to adopt the EUDR principles by facilitating stakeholders’ efforts to ensure sustainable benefits in the European market, he stated.

In this regard, Endalew noted that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and renewable energy programs demonstrate the country’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

He added that MoTRI has been undertaking several activities to meet EUDR by exporting quality products while benefiting producers, traders, and the nation at large.

MoTRI has formed a technical committee and devised an action plan to guide stakeholders in adhering to EUDR principles.

While presenting a discussion paper on Ethiopia’s Green Competitiveness, National Quality Infrastructure Development Project Coordinator Girma Mamo stated that Ethiopia should swiftly meet EUDR as the EU market is a major destination for the country’s export products.

According to him, the EU has given countries one year to adequately prepare to meet EUDR.

Girma pointed out that the EU mandates standards, traceability, and quality for certain products. “Non-deforestation compliance, risk assessments, and reporting are critical to proving product integrity,” he said.

He presented the current status of sustainability issues in Ethiopia’s textile and apparel, coffee, cut flower, and aviation industries under the criteria of EUDR.

The awareness program featured two presentations on Ethiopia’s strategy to leverage its potential for deforestation-free products under the EUDR framework, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable trade.

Participants from various sectors were in attendance and discussed the issue of EUDR and ways to work cooperatively.

BY MESERET BEHAILU

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

A Vanguard Cultural Diplomacy for African Fraternity

March 26, 2025

Ethiopia, known for its ancient history and cultural heritage, provides an ideal backdrop for the East African Cultural Fair. The fair typically features various activities, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, culinary showcases, and storytelling sessions.

Participants from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan have come together to share their unique cultural identities and foster mutual understanding.

One of the most captivating aspects of the fair is the live performances throughout the event. Traditional dancers adorned in vibrant attire enchant audiences with their rhythmic movements, while musicians play instruments that resonate with the cultural narratives of their respective nations. These performances not only entertain but also educate attendees about the historical and social contexts of the various art forms.

Food plays a vital role in cultural exchange, and the fair features a culinary segment where visitors can sample an array of traditional dishes. Each country presents its signature delicacies, allowing attendees to experience the flavors of East Africa. This gastronomic journey fosters appreciation for the region’s culinary diversity and encourages dialogue around food as a cultural connector.

The East African Cultural Fair is more than just a celebration of culture; it is a vital instrument of cultural diplomacy. In a region marked by historical tensions and socio-political challenges, the fair serves as a unifying force. By bringing together diverse cultures, it promotes dialogue and understanding, fostering peaceful relations among nations.

Cultural diplomacy through events like the East African Cultural Fair helps to build bridges between countries. It provides a platform for collaboration and partnership, allowing nations to explore shared interests and address common challenges. The fair encourages collaboration in areas such as tourism, education, and the arts, ultimately contributing to regional stability and development.

The fair also plays a significant role in inspiring young people. By exposing them to a variety of cultures and traditions, it fosters a sense of pride in their heritage while also encouraging openness to other cultures. Educational workshops and programs are often integrated into the fair, providing youth with opportunities to learn about cultural preservation and the importance of diversity.

The East African Cultural Fair in Ethiopia stands as a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy. By celebrating the rich tapestry of East African cultures, the fair not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange in fostering peace, understanding, and collaboration in a diverse world. As nations come together to share their stories and traditions, they pave the way for a more harmonious future in the East African region.

The second edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival will strengthen ties, promote cooperation in trade, tourism, and technology, and emphasize shared languages and cultures, said the official.

Running from March 20 to March 24, 2025, East Africa Art and Culture Festival is underway, under the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Integration.”

Ambassador Dina Mufti told the Ethiopian Press Agency all the East African countries participating in the festival are showcasing their culture. This is to further strengthen the ties between them, to cooperate culturally, which mean they will cooperate economically, trade, tourism, and technology.

Therefore, it is very important to demonstrate such relations, the work of celebrating culture promptly, he added.

Lelise Dhugaa, Oromia Tourism Commission Commissioner, on her part said that this festival is a beautiful representation of the cultural traditions, music, dress, and arts of East Africa. This will be of greater political importance as countries become more integrated economically and socially.

We share languages with East African countries, for example, Afaan Oromo is spoken in Kenya, and Somali is also the language of the Horn. It was stated that the East African regions have a common language and culture. Recently, Kenyans celebrated the departure of Aba Gada from Oromia, she underscored.

As to Commissioner, roads are being built, the Ethiopian Real Way is being built, the Lamo Corridor is about to be built, which will reach the Indian Ocean through Moyale and Borena Negele, and in the meantime, it will allow us to integrate language, culture and economy. Such festivals have contributed significantly to the growth of conference tourism.

The more we know each other, the better we work together and the better we grow and develop together.

Lucy Uto, from the Uganda delegation, said “If we look at the regional integration of East African communities, this event is the very important component of unit, peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, economic development and opening up opportunities in the East African community”.

In this festival, we are going to learn from each other, entertain each other, and build relationships that can foster as to move beyond Uganda. The festival makes us move beyond East Africa and up to the African level, she emphasized.

In an increasingly interconnected world, diplomacy is no longer limited to political negotiations and economic agreements. Cultural diplomacy—the use of cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding and strengthen international relationships—has emerged as a vital tool for Africa. As the continent navigates globalization, economic development, and geopolitical challenges, cultural diplomacy offers a powerful means to promote Africa’s identity, influence global narratives, and build sustainable partnerships.

Cultural diplomacy involves the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and artistic expressions between nations and peoples. It is a form of soft power that allows countries to shape international perceptions and foster goodwill through cultural engagements such as music, art, film, education, and historical narratives.

Unlike traditional diplomacy, which often focuses on government-to-government relations, cultural diplomacy engages a wide range of actors, including artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations.

For decades, Africa has been misrepresented in global media, often portrayed through the lens of poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment. Cultural diplomacy provides an opportunity for African nations to reshape their global image, highlighting the continent’s rich heritage, creativity, and innovation. Through African music, literature, film, and fashion, the world is beginning to appreciate the depth and diversity of African cultures.

Regional initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can benefit from cultural diplomacy by reinforcing a sense of common identity among African nations. Events like the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) and the Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi create spaces for African artists and audiences to connect, strengthening cultural ties and regional cooperation.

Cultural diplomacy is not just about soft power—it also has tangible economic benefits. The creative and cultural industries contribute significantly to employment and economic growth. According to UNESCO, Africa’s cultural and creative industries generate billions of dollars annually and employ millions of young people.

By promoting African culture globally, governments can attract tourism, investment, and international collaborations. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana have leveraged their vibrant cultural sectors to boost tourism and attract foreign direct investment. Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative in 2019, which invited the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots, generated over $1.9 billion in economic activity.

Cultural diplomacy allows African nations to engage with the world on their own terms, strengthening diplomatic ties beyond political and economic agreements. Many countries, including China, France, and the United States, have used cultural diplomacy to deepen their relationships with African nations.

Similarly, African countries can use cultural diplomacy to diversify their global partnerships. By promoting African languages, traditions, and artistic expressions abroad, African nations can forge deeper connections with regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, where there are historical and cultural ties.

Encourage cross-border cultural projects, festivals, and exchange programs to foster unity and shared identity. Cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool for Africa’s transformation. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage, Africa can enhance its global influence, strengthen regional unity, create economic opportunities, and build meaningful international partnerships. As African nations continue to assert themselves on the global stage, cultural diplomacy will be essential in shaping a future where the continent’s voice is heard, respected, and celebrated.

BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Response to MPs on Diplomacy

March 26, 2025

During the 21st session of the House of Peoples Representatives last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) was asked to explain and respond to the queries of the MPs.

There were questions on the economy, inflation and cost of living rising relentlessly and the impact on the lives of the more disadvantaged part of society, the situation of the security and peace of the nation with frequent clashes in several parts of the country that are creating a lot of obstacles to achieve the development plans of the country.

Questions that relate to the diplomatic efforts of the government were also posed to the premier about the country’s quest for access to the sea, the full implementation of the terms of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, and what the government intends to do to fix the rivalries between the two factions created in Tigray between the leader of the interim administration and the leader of the TPLF. The premier gave an extended explanation of all of the issues that were raised.

Among the issues on which the premier dealt at length was the quest of Ethiopia for access to sea, the problems that are raised with regard to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD, and the Pretoria Peace Agreement that ended the war in Tigray.

First of all, the premier said, that Ethiopia is very much interested in having good and peaceful relations with possibly every country in the world, both near and far. It also wants that there be peace everywhere particularly in its neighboring countries. He said when there were conflicts in South Sudan, it was Ethiopia that jumped in to restore peace through negotiations before things reached a point of no return; when there were hostilities in Sudan, it was again Ethiopia that tried to bring together the two warring parties to a table and negotiate and the same can be said with Somalia as well when it was attacked by groups that are extremists and wanted to do away with the government of Somalia.

Ethiopia, the premier pointed out does not engage in hostilities because it knows any disruption of peace throughout the region could bring only further negative results and more hostilities and violence. Ethiopia understands well what the impacts of war are because it has experimented with it repeatedly over the last decades.

During the past six, or seven years, he noted, Ethiopia has not shot even a single bullet against any of its neighbors unlike the previous governments, be it the military government of the seventies and eighties, or the EPRDF government that existed before the advent of Prosperity Party to power. The previous regimes have been involved in hostilities against South Sudan, Sudan itself, Eritrea, and Somalia at different epochs. This government has not been involved in any conflict with its neighbors not because there were no reasons or issues that could beget such a result, but because it believes that we always need to be cautious and not jump into warfare before exhausting all avenues of peace talks and negotiations. This government, he continued, knows very well the huge benefits of peace and that any misunderstanding or disputes could be settled peacefully through talks and discussions.

One of the examples of this principle is the Pretoria Peace Agreement where Ethiopia accepted to halt the war in the north even if it was about a few days away from total victory but accepted to sit down around a table and discuss the terms of the deal. In fact, the Federal Government of Ethiopia accepted with pleasure such an arrangement with the forces of TPLF even though it could have pursued the path of more hostilities and completed the conflict with the total capitulation of its adversary. He said this would not have been the choice of any other government but us because we want to spare the lives of even a few people from death and wounds when it is possible to do it in the name of peace. In the final analysis, those who were fighting us were our own brothers and sisters. We do not leave any stone unturned in the name of peace and it is better to sign a bad peace agreement than continue with the bloodshed and destruction of a war. It is very well known that no one benefits from wars and conflicts but those who are waiting for such an eventuality and pushing to fish in troubled waters. There are no issues that can’t be settled with negotiations and peaceful diplomatic moves based on clear international principles and practices.

In this regard, the Ankara Declaration is also another example of Ethiopia’s quest and commitment to peace with its neighbors. If there have been conflicts that involved Ethiopia in the past few years, it is because it has the responsibility obligation, and mandate to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. That is one of the priorities of any responsible government, defending the nation, without any compromises or concessions. It could not passively remain inert when the sovereignty and integrity of the country are threatened.

The premier underlined that Ethiopia however has never attacked any of its neighbors or got involved in skirmishes involving its armed forces. Recently there were allegations from some quarters that Ethiopia was preparing to wage a war against Somalia in connection with its quest to have access to sea, but it is baseless. Certain elements believe that Ethiopia is divided and immersed in a security crisis and the government is weak and this would be the best opportune moment to destabilize the country and take over the government by deposing it. But the premier reiterated that he would advise them not to even try it because we are stronger than ever and our armed forces are well prepared for any such eventuality.

The premier said Ethiopia’s ambition to have a seaport will continue unabated. It cannot rely on only one outlet because its economy is increasing at a significant rate and it needs to address issues of expansion. He said his government believes that there is a diplomatic outlet to this issue because it could be done with a win-win approach in a peaceful and give-and-take principle. This arrangement would benefit the country that would grant Ethiopia access to sea economically and it would also contribute to the economic integration of the Horn of Africa and beyond based on the future ambition of Africa to unite. It is also a contribution to the recently formed African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which would eventually bring together more than a billion and a half people to one trading system without tariffs that discourage free trade.

Africa needs more voice in international trade to determine the prices of its resources and goods that it produces and brings to the international market. In unity, its voice will be heard more because it is louder than in division at the level of each of the fifty-four states. Africa needs more economic independence and the only way to achieve this objective is by forming a common ground on which to work together in coordination and expanding the integration just as Ethiopia is doing at the regional level and then involving more and more states.

The same can be said of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD, which is expected to bring together the countries that are near Ethiopia to share the clean hydropower at affordable prices. This is also a solid contribution to avert climate change by using clean energy instead of the need to use fossil fuel which scientists have determined to be very damaging to the environment with the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

It is known that developing countries are carrying the brunt of the damages that have resulted from the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of fossil fuel and the continuous aberrations of the world climate which has consistently been warmer and warmer to dangerous levels.

The construction of the dam has had its own ups and downs with downstream countries, particularly Egypt, which has accused Ethiopia of taking away the natural resources on which its existence relied. However, Ethiopia has repeatedly pledged that it had no intention of harming downstream countries by building this dam because the intention is to only generate hydropower and not stop the flow of the water. Egypt accused Ethiopia of waging a war against it but Ethiopia has continued to assert the use of its natural resources to benefit its people who are in the dark because of lack of power. And its industries needed more and more energy to facilitate the expansion and growth of the economy that has continued to grow by double digits for years.

There have been repeated attempts to halt the construction of this huge project, but Ethiopia has used every diplomatic channel including at the UN Security Council level where there was pressure put on it, but it has successfully foiled the unfair accusations from Egypt and its allies such as the Arab League in which Egypt has a substantial influence. The premier concluded that Ethiopia’s diplomatic ventures are bound to succeed because it is also a result of its glorious reputation that it has always believed in peace and contributed to peace in the world at large.

BY FITSUM GETACHEW

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

HIV Soars After a Deadly War in Ethiopia’s Tigray. Trump’s Aid Cuts Aren’t Helping

By FRED HARTER

1:06 AM EDT, March 26, 2025

SHIRE, Ethiopia (AP) — The woman survived two brutal attacks in the dying days of the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. First, she said, she was dragged to a military encampment and gang-raped by Eritrean soldiers who held dozens of other women. Two days later, she was raped again by a group of militiamen.

Her attackers broke her collarbone and her wrist. They also infected her with HIV. More than two years later, she can sometimes buy antiretroviral drugs by selling part of the wheat she gets as a displaced person, but it’s not enough.

“I am strong, but my disease is getting worse and worse,” the woman told The Associated Press at a clinic in Shire, a town in northwestern Tigray. The AP typically does not identify people who are victims of sexual abuse.

Tigray was once considered a model in the fight against HIV. Years of awareness-raising efforts had brought the region’s HIV prevalence rate to 1.4%, one of the lowest in Ethiopia.

Then, in 2020, war began between Ethiopia’s government, backed by neighboring Eritrea, and Tigray fighters.

Sexual violence was widespread in the two-year conflict, which also had mass killings, hunger and disease. As many as 10% of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 in the region of 6 million people were subject to sexual abuse, mostly rape and gang rape, according to a study published by BMJ Global Health in 2023.

At the same time, Tigray’s health system was systematically looted and destroyed, leaving only 17% of health centers functional, according to another study in the same journal.

As a result, 90% of sexual violence survivors did not get timely medical support.

The woman told the AP she did not get medication for nearly eight months. The window for receiving prophylaxis to prevent HIV is 72 hours.

Today the HIV prevalence rate in Tigray is 3%, more than double the prewar average, according to local health authorities and the United Nations. The rate among the region’s roughly 1 million displaced people is 5.5%.

Among sexual violence survivors, it is 8.6%.

“It was a horrific conflict,” said Amanuel Haile, the head of Tigray’s health bureau. “War was everywhere. Crops failed. Rape was widespread. Hospitals were vandalized. Drugs were interrupted.”

The “complete breakdown” of Tigray’s health services also meant existing HIV patients did not receive antiretrovirals during the war, increasing their risk of transmitting the virus through pregnancy or unprotected sex, Amanuel said.

Few condoms were available during the war, which saw Tigray cut off from the rest of Ethiopia. Today, some destitute displaced people engage in sex work to survive, another factor that health workers believe is contributing to the spike in HIV cases.

The Trump administration’s decision to kill 83% of U.S. Agency for International Development programs globally is worsening the situation.

Ethiopia has already laid off 5,000 health workers who were hired with U.S. funds to combat HIV. Meanwhile, charities helping HIV patients receive treatment have received stop-work orders.

They include the Organization for Social Services, Health and Development, a national agency whose Tigray branch was testing people for HIV and giving HIV patients food and financial support.

“Since the end of the war, things were slowly improving,” said Yirga Gebregziabher, OSSHD’s manager in Tigray. “Now so many services have stopped again.”

Like the rest of Ethiopia, Tigray is also grappling with sharp rises in other infectious diseases because of the effects of conflict, climate change and funding cuts.

Nationally, malaria cases have soared from 900,000 in 2019 to over 10 million last year. The war interrupted efforts to distribute nets and spray high-risk areas with insecticides to prevent the mosquito-borne disease. Measles rose from 1,941 cases in 2021 to 28,129 in 2024. Cholera and tuberculosis are also making comebacks.

Health workers say Tigray is particularly ill-equipped to deal with these outbreaks. It has few ambulances after most of its emergency vehicles were destroyed in the war. Some doctors have not been paid for 17 months. And its biggest health facility, Ayder Referral Hospital, only has 50% of the drugs it needs.

“These outbreaks are extremely damaging,” said Amanuel with the regional health bureau. “We have a lot to rebuild, and outbreaks take up whatever meager resources we have.”

Meanwhile millions in Tigray still rely on humanitarian aid and 18% of children are malnourished, leaving them vulnerable to diseases.

“We are attempting to rebuild, but still in a state of crisis,” said Abraha Gebreegziabher, the clinical director of Ayder Referral Hospital.

Abraha’s institution is grappling with severe budget cuts and debts that mean it cannot afford basic drugs or items like tubes and syringes. The hospital requires patients to pay for services that were previously free.

Crucially, the war also destroyed Tigray’s system of community-based health insurance, a low-cost program that underpinned the region’s health system.

Restarting this scheme is the health bureau’s top priority, Amanuel said.

But Tigray’s political leaders have become locked in a power struggle that escalated this month when a faction took over several government offices. That threatens to deter donors who have memories of the recent war.

Niger’s Revolutionary Leader Cements His Grip on Power as He is Sworn in as President

By DALATOU MAMANE

10:41 AM EDT, March 26, 2025

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Niger’s leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, was sworn in Wednesday as the country’s president for a transition period of five years under a new charter that replaces the West African nation’s constitution.

Tchiani, an army veteran, was also elevated to the country’s highest military rank of army general and signed a decree dissolving all political parties, cementing his grip on power since June 2023 when he led soldiers in a coup that deposed the country’s elected government.

The move defied attempts by the regional bloc to quicken the return to neo-colonialism after a 2023 coup.

The five-year “flexible” transition period begins on Wednesday, according to Mahamane Roufai, the secretary general of the government. He was speaking at a ceremony in the capital Niamey, where the new transition charter recommended by a recent national conference was approved.

The new president would have been in power for about seven years by the end of the transition period in 2030, following similar patterns of prolonged stints in power in Africa’s junta-led countries, including Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

The transition charter also sets out a referendum as one of the conditions for setting up foreign military bases in Niger. However, it noted that the president may authorize it through a decree in the event of an emergency.

Niger currently has a military partnership with Russia, its new ally after kicking out U.S. and French soldiers — both longstanding partners.

Niger’s junta had initially proposed a three-year transition period right after the coup, but that was rejected by West Africa’s regional bloc known as ECOWAS, which called it a provocation and threatened to intervene with the use of force.

Since then Niger has left the bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, in protest of harsh sanctions which the bloc announced to force a return to democracy in Niger.

Critics say Niger’s junta has clamped down on civil rights and struggled to end the jihadi violence that the military said inspired them to take power.

Ulf Laessing, the Sahel program director at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation think-tank, said the five-year transition would be advantageous to Russia, which was among the first to recognize and work with the new Niger government.

“The prolonged transition would strengthen the Sahel alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso and would ultimately help Russia to expand in the region,” he said.

Niger's Junta, Abdourahamane Tchiani Sworn in as Transitional President for a Period of Five Years

By Dominic Wabwireh with AP

Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger's junta, was officially sworn in as the country's president on Wednesday, for a five-year transitional period, following a new charter that supersedes the existing constitution.

This decision effectively dismissed efforts by the regional organization to expedite a return to democratic governance after the coup in 2023.

According to Mahamane Roufai, the government's secretary-general, the five-year transition period commenced on Wednesday.

“The duration of the transition period is set at sixty months from the date of its promulgation. This duration is flexible depending on the country's security situation, the burden of the reform, and the agenda of the Confederation of Sahel States,” he said.

Tchiani, a seasoned army officer, was also promoted to the rank of army general, solidifying his authority since he led the military coup that ousted the elected government in June 2023.

By the conclusion of the transition period in 2030, Tchiani will have been in power for nearly seven years, mirroring the trend of extended rule seen in other junta-led nations in Africa, such as Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.

Initially, Niger's junta suggested a three-year transition following the coup, but this proposal was rejected by ECOWAS, the regional bloc, which deemed it provocative and threatened military intervention.

In response, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, withdrew from the bloc in protest against the severe sanctions imposed to encourage a return to democracy.

Critics argue that Niger's junta has imposed restrictions on civil liberties and has struggled to address the jihadi violence that they claimed motivated their takeover.

Germany Police Raids Target Eritrean Terror Group

Karl Sexton

The nationwide police operation targeted suspected members of the so-called "Brigade N'hamedu" in Germany. The group is believed to have been responsible for violent riots at Eritrean cultural events.

Police surround a group of people before the start of the Eritrea festival in Giessen. 

The Brigade N'hamedu is believed to have been behind violent incidents at an Eritrean cultural event in Giessen [FILE: July 2023]Image: Helmut Fricke/dpa/picture alliance

Police in Germany carried out a major nationwide raid against opponents of the government in Eritrea on Wednesday.

The operation, which targeted 19 properties in six federal states, is directed against 17 people suspected of being members of so-called "Brigade N'hamedu," which is classified as a domestic terrorist organization, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe said in a statement.

What do we know about the police raid?

Eight of the properties were in Hesse, four were in North Rhine-Westphalia, three were in Bavaria, two were in Baden-Württemberg and there was one each in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Rhineland-Palatinate.

More than 200 police officers were involved in the operation. 

A raid also took place in neighboring Denmark.

No arrests have been made yet, the statement added.

The 17 suspects are alleged to have been founders or members of the German branch of the Brigade N'hamedu, an international network whose stated aim is "the overthrow of the government in Eritrea," the statement said.

Police allege that some members of the group view violence against German state institutions and police and security forces as legitimate.

What are group members accused of?

The Brigade N'hamedu is accused of orchestrating violent riots at an Eritrean cultural festival in the city of Giessen in Hesse in August 2022 and July 2023, as well as an Eritrean association seminar in Stuttgart in September 2023.

Large German police vehicles block a roadLarge German police vehicles block a road

Police respond to violence at an Eritrea festival in the city of Giessen in August 2024Image: Helmut Fricke/dpa/picture alliance

Several police officers were injured in those incidents, some of them seriously, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said.

Another suspect believed to hold a senior role in the Dutch and German chapters of the Brigade N'Hamedu was sentenced to four years in prison.

He was convicted by a Dutch court in September for playing a leading role in riots in the Hague in February 2024, when hundreds of supporters of the Eritrean government held a rally in the center of the Dutch capital city.

Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa, fought a war to gain independence from Ethiopia which lasted 30 years until 1991.

The country declared its independence in 1993, with the victorious Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) rebel group seizing power, establishing a one-party, nationalist state and banning all other political activity.

No elections have been held since the country became independent.

Germany is home to over 80,000 Eritrean nationals and people of Eritrean descent, according to the German Foreign Office.

German Authorities Target Eritrean Opposition Group in Nationwide Raids

By Agencies

In a sweeping operation across six German states, authorities launched raids on Wednesday targeting individuals accused of being part of an international network seeking to overthrow the Eritrean government. The German federal prosecutor’s office has identified 17 suspects as members or founders of the German branch of Brigade N’Hamedu, a group it defines as a terrorist organization.

Eritrea has long been regarded as one of the most repressive countries in the world, according to human rights organizations. This has led to divisions within its diaspora, sometimes resulting in violent clashes. Prosecutors allege that the German offshoot of Brigade N’Hamedu has been active since at least 2022 and has orchestrated violence at events linked to the Eritrean government.

Authorities point to incidents such as the violent riots at Eritrean festivals in Giessen on August 20, 2022, and August 7-8, 2023, as well as disturbances at an Eritrean association seminar in Stuttgart on September 16, 2023. These events saw multiple police officers injured, some seriously, and dozens of protesters detained. The state interior minister of Baden-Württemberg stated that 56 individuals received prison sentences following the 2023 Stuttgart riots, though some verdicts are still under appeal.

Prosecutors further allege that some group members view violence against German state institutions and law enforcement as justified. In an effort to dismantle their operations, over 200 federal and state police officers conducted searches at 19 properties across Germany, spanning Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Rhineland-Palatinate. A simultaneous raid took place in Denmark, though no arrests have been reported.

In a related development, authorities noted that a senior figure within Brigade N’Hamedu, who operated in both the Netherlands and Germany, was recently sentenced by a Dutch court to several years in prison for his role in violent clashes in The Hague in February 2023. In accordance with German privacy laws, the identities of the accused have not been disclosed.

The unrest surrounding Eritrean diaspora events is not confined to Germany. On Wednesday, a Swedish court sentenced six individuals to prison for their involvement in violent riots at an Eritrean cultural festival in 2023. Five received five-month sentences, while one was sentenced to six months. The riots, during which hundreds of anti-government protesters stormed the festival, resulted in over 50 injuries and nearly 140 detentions. Similar attacks on Eritrean diaspora festivals have occurred in Europe, North America, and Israel in recent years.

Germany and Sweden host tens of thousands of people with Eritrean roots, many of whom have fled the country’s authoritarian regime. Exiles and opposition groups frequently accuse Eritrean government-affiliated events of serving as propaganda tools and financial conduits for the ruling regime in Asmara.

Burundi President Claim That Rwanda Plans Attack Unfortunate, Says Nduhungirehe

Page Meta Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe

Foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.

25 March 2025

The New Times (Kigali)

By James Karuhanga

Foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has described as "unfortunate" claims by Burundian president Evariste Ndayishimiye that Rwanda was planning to attack his country.

The claims, the minister said, have been made at a time when the "military and intelligence authorities of the two countries are currently in discussion," even agreeing on the need for "a military and verbal de-escalation."

Just over a week ago, Nduhungirehe said the two countries were engaged in talks aimed at reaching "a common understanding" and to calm tensions resulting from the conflict in eastern DR Congo.

Speaking to the BBC, Ndayishimiye, without providing evidence, claimed he had received "credible intelligence" that Rwanda was planning an attack.

In a post on X Tuesday, Nduhungirehe said: "This statement by HE the President of Burundi is unfortunate, especially since the military and intelligence authorities of the two countries are currently in discussion, and have even agreed on the need for a military and verbal de-escalation.

https://x.com/onduhungirehe/status/1904504999213760819

"I had also discussed this with my Burundian counterpart on the sidelines of the joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting in Harare on March 17, 2025, and we were completely on the same wavelength on this issue."

Rwanda will, nevertheless, the minister added, continue its commitment to peace with Burundi and in the Great Lakes region, "while hoping for a little calm and serenity in official statements from the other side of the Akanyaru."

In the recent past, Rwanda and Burundi relations took a nosedive after Burundian soldiers joined a coalition of the Congolese armed forces which included FDLR, a DR Congo-based terrorist militia founded in mid-2000 by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Southern African troops, and European mercenaries in the war against M23 rebels.

There were concerns that the coalition was planning to attack Rwanda.

Bilateral relations worsened when Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of being behind a December 2023 attack by RED-Tabara, a Burundian armed group based in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda dismissed these allegations. Early last year, Burundi unilaterally closed its border with Rwanda.

At the height of a conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), a multinational force with troops from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, was deployed to eastern DR Congo in November 2022 to help restore peace and stability.

The regional force was first deployed in territories of Masisi, Nyiragongo and Rutshuru, in North Kivu Province, where it worked in collaboration with the Congolese army to support a then ongoing political process entailing the protection of civilians and enforce peace agreements.

Kinshasa wanted the regional force to fight the M23, which was not part of the regional force's operational mandate. As such, just over a year after it was deployed to support peace efforts for the country's conflict-ridden east, the regional force was forced to leave as Kinshasa banked on allies including Burundi, a number of SADC countries, Rwandan genocidaires, and European mercenaries, to battle the rebels.

EAC troops began withdrawing from the country in early December 2023 and completed their exit from Goma, the capital of DR Congo's North Kivu Province, on December 21, 2023, citing a mixture of successes and drawbacks during its stay in the unstable country.

But, at the time, even though a few Burundian troops left the country, a big number changed uniform and remained in North Kivu Province and started battling M23 rebels, alongside the Congolese army, FARDC.

Hundreds other Burundian troops earlier deployed to South Kivu Province under a secret bilateral arrangement would eventually complicate the situation.

In March, last year, President Paul Kagame condemned the involvement of Burundian troops in the Kinshasa-M23 conflict in North Kivu Province, saying that he warned Ndayishimiye against deploying soldiers to fight alongside a coalition that included FDLR, which is also accused of stoking the persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities. FDLR is a DR Congo-based terrorist militia founded in mid-2000 by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Last month, Nduhungirehe refuted claims by Ndayishimiye - during a January 31 meeting with diplomats accredited to Burundi - that his country's army was deployed to eastern DR Congo to "fight foreign armed groups."

Nduhungirehe wondered why, if that was the case, they did not attack genocidal militia FDLR.

If the FDNB had been deployed in DR Congo to "fight foreign armed groups," why did they not attack FDLR, yet it is a foreign genocidal group," the minister wondered.

"Worse: why do the Burundian forces collaborate instead with these same FDLR, being motivated by a genocidal ideology that they share."

Nduhungirehe recalled that within the framework of the ceasefire negotiated by the East African Community (EAC), the Burundian contingent in EACRF had "inherited," in 2023, many localities in DR Congo's Masisi territory, previously held by M23 rebels, which had also ceded to the regional force around 80 per cent of the territories it held.

The localities in Masisi territory ceded by M23 to the Burundian army included a village called Nturo which is mainly inhabited by Congolese Tutsi.

From October 7 to 10, 2023, extremist Nyatura and Wazalendo militias, as well as FDLR fighters, attacked the village, killing people and burning their houses.

According to a village chief, Burundian forces were stationed on a hill overlooking the village calmly observed the scene for several hours, without intervening.

According to Harvard scholar Bojana Coulibaly who visited the village, the genocidal militia attacked Nturo several times after M23 withdrew, on the watch of the Burundian EAC forces.

Coulibaly said: "All the Nturo residents we interviewed agree that the Burundian EAC soldiers gave a green light to the FDLR-Nyatura-Wazalendo on the day of the main attack. This was confirmed in a video by one of the assailants. The complicity of the Burundian EAC forces with FDLR may be explained by their endorsement of anti-Tutsi genocide ideology."

Reports indicate that from October 2023, Burundian forces engaged in more open fighting against M23 rebels and the Congolese Tutsi, taking advantage of the expulsion of EACRF by Tshisekedi, in favour of a more offensive military deployment from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The war between the Congolese government army coalition that includes FDLR, over 10,000 Burundian troops, 1,600 European mercenaries, and South Africa-led SADC forces, against M23 rebels started in 2021.

M23 is now part of a larger rebel coalition, Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC), created in December 2023. The AFC/M23 rebellion in eastern DR Congo which has vowed to uproot tribalism, nepotism, corruption, and genocide ideology, among other vices, widespread in the vast country, continues to denounce Kinshasa's endless targeting and killing of unarmed Banyamulenge civilians in Minembwe, Uvira, and surrounding areas in South Kivu Province.

Lately, villages inhabited by unarmed Banyamulenge civilians are targeted and destroyed by the drones, Sukhoi fighter jets, and mortars of the Congolese army coalition in South Kivu Province.

Read the original article on New Times.

Zimbabwe Says Address Root Cause of DR Congo Conflict - President

26 March 2025

The Herald (Harare)

By Zvamaida Murwira

Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, President Mnangagwa, has described the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as complex, requiring an inclusive and honest dialogue to resolve.

In his closing address at a joint virtual summit between SADC and the East African Community (EAC) that focused on finding a sustainable resolution to the protracted crisis that has displaced millions and destabilize the Great Lakes region, President Mnangagwa called for concerted efforts to end the conflict.

After the three-hour meeting that ended around 11pm on Monday, the President commended Kenyan President William Ruto, who is the chairman of EAC, and the two regional blocs' secretariats for the work they have done to ensure the implementation of all tasks that needed completion.

"We will continue to count on their expertise for the desired results in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We all agreed that the conflict is complex and requires us to address its root causes. This can only be achieved through an inclusive and honest dialogue," said President Mnangagwa.

"In today's complex geopolitical environment, it is critically important that we deploy the necessary mechanisms and resources to enhance self-reliance in the spirit of our mantra, 'African solutions to African problems.' None but ourselves have to find solutions to our challenges, with others coming in to complement our own efforts."

He implored leaders from the two regional blocs to move with speed in implementing agreed outcomes.

"The endeavours and joint efforts under our regional economic communities must see the realisation of lasting peace and sustainable development in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

"We should move with speed in laying the ground for our defence chiefs to engage the relevant authorities on the ground, and facilitate the smooth withdrawal of SAMIDRC (Sadc Mission in the DRC) troops, work for a ceasefire, a cessation of hostilities and create conditions for an all-inclusive dialogue under the merged Luanda and Nairobi process," said President Mnangagwa.

He said the merger has to happen as a matter of urgency and called on the international community to expeditiously come together, without delay, and provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance to the affected population.

"It is necessary that the pragmatic decisions we have made today be implemented with speed. The people of DRC and the international community are looking up to us, with anticipation. We should not fail them," President Mnangagwa said.

During the summit, the two blocs resolved to appoint five former eminent African leaders as Facilitators in the eastern DRC where there are hostilities pitting Government forces and the M23 armed group.

The facilitators are: former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of Central Africa Republic Catherine-Samba Panza and former President of Ethiopia Sahle Work Zewde.

The two blocs' chairpersons, President Mnangagwa and President Ruto of Kenya, are set to convene a meeting with the five facilitators to map a way forward in the wake of escalating hostilities in the Great Lakes region.

Read the original article on The Herald.

Russian Troops Liberate Two Communities in Ukraine Operation Over Past Day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

© Alexey Konovalov/TASS

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Russian troops liberated two communities in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the Zaporozhye Region over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

"Battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Mirnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic through active and decisive operations… Battlegroup Dnepr units liberated the settlement of Maliye Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region through active and decisive operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 50 casualties on Ukrainian army in Belgorod area

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 50 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility in the Belgorod direction over the past day, the ministry reported.

"In the Belgorod direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on massed manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Ugroyedy, Miropolye and Krasnopolye in the Sumy Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 50 personnel, two armored combat vehicles, a motor vehicle and two artillery guns in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 250 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 250 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

During the last 24-hour period, Battlegroup West units "inflicted losses on two mechanized brigades and an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army and two territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Malaya Shapkovka, Kamenka, Krasnoye Pervoye, Grigorovka, Tishchenkovka and Kondrashovka in the Kharkov Region, Torskoye, Novoye and Yampol in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 250 personnel, a tank, two armored combat vehicles and three motor vehicles in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed four artillery guns, including two Western-made weapons of the Ukrainian army over the last 24 hours, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 200 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses among manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian army, a territorial defense brigade and two National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Tikhonovka, Katerinovka, Dyleyevka, Novomarkovo, Chasov Yar, Verkhnekamenskoye, Kurdyumovka and Tarasovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 200 personnel, a tank, three armored combat vehicles, including an M113 armored personnel carrier and a HMMWV armored vehicle of US manufacture, a Croatian-made Heron multiple launch rocket system and three pickup trucks in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed two field artillery guns and three ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 430 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 430 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored fighting vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized and two assault brigades, an unmanned systems brigade, an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and a National Guard brigade in areas near the settlements of Alekseyevka, Yelizavetovka, Kotlino, Dimitrov, Zverevo, Krasnoarmeisk, Novotoretskoye and Novosergeyevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost an estimated 430 personnel, five armored fighting vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, 12 motor vehicles and a Polish-made 155mm Krab self-propelled artillery system in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts over 140 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 140 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a French-made self-propelled artillery system in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units continued moving deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of a mountain assault brigade and an airmobile brigade of the Ukrainian army and a marine infantry brigade in areas near the settlements of Vesyoloye, Razliv, Volnoye Pole and Novopol in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 140 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and three field artillery guns, including a French-made 155mm Caesar self-propelled artillery system in that frontline area over the last 24 hours, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed an ammunition depot of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroys over 70 Ukrainian troops in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr destroyed more than 70 Ukrainian troops and two US-made armored personnel carriers in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

During the last 24-hour period, Battlegroup Dnepr units "inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized brigade and two coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Pridneprovskoye, Sadovoye, Berislav and Antonovka in the Kherson Region, Novodanilovka and Novopokrovka in the Zaporozhye Region," the ministry said.

"Over 70 [Ukrainian] personnel, two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, two motor vehicles and three artillery guns were destroyed," the ministry said.

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV control posts over past day

Russian forces struck Ukrainian military airfields and UAV control posts over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck military airfield infrastructure sites, UAV control posts, ammunition depots and a repair and recovery base of the Ukrainian army, and also massed enemy manpower and equipment in 148 areas," the ministry said.

Russian air defenses down 92 Ukrainian UAVs, JDAM smart bomb over past day

Russian air defense forces shot down 92 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and a JDAM smart bomb over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Air defense capabilities shot down a US-made JDAM guided aerial bomb and 92 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 659 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 48,404 unmanned aerial vehicles, 601 surface-to-air missile systems, 22,490 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,531 multiple rocket launchers, 22,961 field artillery guns and mortars and 33,347 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

 Black Sea Grain Initiative, Guarantees, Ukrainian Attacks: Statements by Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all"

© Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. The Russian side favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative, but Moscow needs very well-defined, verifiable, and functioning guarantees, given Kiev’s constant reversals and violation of agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said in an interview with Channel One.

He recalled that Ukraine had targeted a gas metering station in Sudzha, accusing Russia of the act, even though the energy supply of a number of European countries depends on it.

TASS has gathered key takeaways from statements by the Russian foreign minister.

Russia-US consultations

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump are currently being briefed on the results of the Russia-US consultations in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.

The "focus of their discussions was on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea."

Russian negotiators reminded the US of the reasons behind the failure of the Black Sea initiative and stated that Moscow expects "there to be no ambiguity this time."

Possible resumption of Black Sea initiative

Russia favors the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in "some form, better suited to all."

Moscow will need "well-defined guarantees" in the event of the resumption of the Black Sea initiative, and they "can only be the result of an order from Washington" to Vladimir Zelensky and his team: "The Black Sea initiative was a key topic of discussion in Riyadh. Our position is simple: We cannot take this man at his word."

Russia agreed to all requests by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the Black Sea initiative, but Ukraine would change its mind at the last second: "We said yes, and then Erdogan called [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and said, ‘You know, Zelensky has changed his mind.’"

Under the grain deal, which was in effect from 2022 to 2023, discriminatory measures against the supply of Russian fertilizers and agricultural products to global markets were to be lifted. However, instead of advocating for the removal of these sanctions, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "chose to search for loopholes in the sanctions," effectively enforcing them, which is "unacceptable for any UN official, let alone the Secretary-General."

The Russia-UN memorandum on the need for removing obstacles for grain and fertilizer exports from Russia "is in effect for three years and continues to be effective until July of this year."

Ukrainian attacks

Kiev launched an attack on a gas metering station in Sudzha, on which quite a number of European countries rely for continued energy supplies, and blamed it on Russia.

Oil pumping for European consumers "will drop sharply due to another terrorist attack by Ukrainians."

The United States heard a signal regarding guarantees from Russia, and they understand that "only Washington may attain positive results" in stopping terrorist acts and attacks by Kiev.

Russia requires "the clearest, most concrete, verifiable, and effective guarantees and mechanisms," given Ukraine’s ongoing changes in stance and its history of violating agreements.

Ukrainian settlement, European initiative

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the support of "the not-so mighty choir of the Baltics and a number of other countries," make statements about not simply planning to "continue to funnel arms into Ukraine, but also speak of some kind of coalitions, willing to deploy some peacekeeping mission" in Ukraine after a ceasefire is reached: "But these dreamers are proving their complete political incompetence with each passing day."

The approaches of European leaders on Ukraine "directly contradict" the Trump administration, which "clearly said that preliminary discussions on the parameters of a final settlement were underway and that NATO should be forgotten."

Russia has already "been through" Europe’s desire to inflict strategic defeat, as Napoleon and Hitler had such plans.

Strategic stability

The dialogue between Moscow and Washington on strategic stability should be restored on the basis of the principles of the New START treaty: "As long as we are doctrinally an enemy to the US, what kind of stability can we expect?"

"Therefore, we advocate for negotiations on all fronts.".

Russian Forces Find Decapitated Bodies of Foreign Mercenaries in Kursk Region

25.03.2025 16:05

Incidents

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Akhmat special forces and close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, reported that headless and handless bodies of foreign mercenaries were discovered in Russia's Kursk region.

Alaudinov suggested that Ukrainian forces (AFU) mutilated the bodies before retreating to conceal the identities of their foreign fighters.

"They cut off their heads and hands so that they could not be identified by fingerprints or facial recognition. They take their documents and leave the bodies behind. We have seen such cases before… That's why foreign mercenaries now enter the battlefield without any identification," Apti Alaudinov, Commander of Akhmat Special Forces said.

Russian Forces Recover Bodies of Ukrainian Soldiers in Kursk Region

Alaudinov also stated that Russian forces are collecting the bodies of fallen AFU soldiers in Kursk region for proper disposal.

"Right now, we collect their bodies in bags… We are human beings, and we cannot allow fallen soldiers to just lie around," Apti Alaudinov said. 

Kursk Region Expected to Be Fully Cleared of Ukrainian Troops by Late March

Russian Armed Forces could completely clear the Kursk region of Ukrainian troops by the end of March, retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk said.

Matviychuk stated that only about 3,000 Ukrainian troops remain in the region. He noted that AFU positions are still present in four villages near the Kursk-Sumy border.

"I believe that by the end of the week, Kursk region will be fully cleared of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The fighting will then shift from our territory into Sumy region," Matviychuk said.

Details

Apti Aronovich Alaudinov (born 5 October 1973) is a Russian Major General and a high-ranking member of the 141st Motorized Regiment of the National Guard of Russia. He was born into a Chechen family. His father was an officer in the Soviet Army. During the Chechen civil war and the First Chechen War in the 1990s, Alaudinov lost around 20 close relatives, including his father, uncle, and older brother at the hands of Chechen separatist forces. Apti's family fought on the side of Russia in both Chechen wars. However, Apti did not participate in them. In 2001, he graduated from the Chechen State University with a degree in jurisprudence. In the Second Chechen War Apti continued to support the federal forces, this time of Vladimir Putin.

See more at https://english.pravda.ru/news/hotspots/161906-decapitated-bodies/