Western Diplomats Concerned Over Rising Tensions Between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Ethiopian Red Cross Suspends Projects Due to USAID Funding Freeze
Ethiopian Red Cross Suspends Projects Due to USAID Funding Freeze
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has suspended numerous projects benefiting Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Ethiopia following a recent funding freeze by its primary funder, the U.S. International Development Agency (USAID). ERCS General Secretary, Abera Lulessa, announced that the organization has halted ongoing water and shelter construction projects for IDPs. Among the suspended projects is the construction of shelters for 1,500 households displaced by conflicts in East Wollega, West Wollega, Qelem Wollega, and Horo Guduru Wollega zones in Oromia region. While expressing optimism that USAID support may resume within two months, Abera also noted that the suspension has impacted most of ERCS's services related to disease outbreaks.
Ethiopia Central Bank Holds Forex Auction with 135.6 Birr per U.S. Dollar
Ethiopia’s central bank conducted a second special foreign exchange auction on February 24, selling U.S. dollars at a weighted average rate of 135.6 birr per dollar. Twenty-seven commercial banks participated in the auction. The rate offered by the banks was 10 birr higher than the rate they had offered in the foreign exchange market that same day. The central bank had previously offered 107.9 birr per U.S. dollar during the first foreign exchange auction in August 2024, following significant macroeconomic reforms. The central bank stated that it would hold additional forex auctions if deemed necessary to maintain price stability and external balance.
Opposition Party Accuses Government of Enforced Disappearances in Addis Ababa
The opposition Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) has accused Ethiopian government security forces of rounding up and forcibly disappearing several civilians, particularly youths, in Addis Ababa. The party likened the actions to mafia-style operations, violating both national and international laws. Ezema called for the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the detainees, formally charge those suspected of crimes, or release them immediately. The party also urged the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) and the government to hold the perpetrators accountable, warning that failure to do so would contribute to lawlessness in the country.
Western Diplomats Concerned Over Rising Tensions Between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Western diplomats are expressing concern over the growing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, particularly following a rapprochement between a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Eritrean officials. Diplomatic concerns emerged after reports suggested that the faction of TPLF led by Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael reached out to senior Eritrean officials in Asmara in January 2025. During his recent visit to Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital, French envoy to Ethiopia, Alexis Lamek, raised his concerns over the developing ties between Tigray’s political leadership and the Eritrean regime of President Isaias Afwerki.
Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Appointed Peace Facilitator for DRC Conflict
Ethiopia’s former Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, has been appointed as a peace facilitator to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Hailemariam joins former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as part of a team appointed by the Heads of State and Government of the East African Economic Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The peace facilitators are tasked with coordinating the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and a security plan for Goma, which has been captured by the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda.
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