The second pro-forma hearing of Tewelde Goitom, also known as “Walid” or “Welid”, took place in the Netherlands on 6 April 2023. He is accused of leading a criminal network that committed grave human rights abuses in Libya and extorting refugees to pay large sums of ransom.
In this week’s news highlights: US denounces war crimes in Tigray, Ethiopia and Eritrea reject the allegations; Getachew Reda confirmed as Tigray regional president, interim government established; Ethiopia removes TPLF from terrorist list; Getachew Reda promises to address soldiers’ grievances; UK-Ethiopia meeting in Addis Ababa; Eritrean delegation meets with Russia’s Lavrov; UN organisations call for help for Somali refugees; Somalia increases troop numbers; Factions in Sudan agree to establish transitional government; UN hopeful about Sudanese political process, but warns support is needed; Military will not participate in politics, states Sudan military leader; Kiir against extension of transitional period in South Sudan; South Sudan Parties resume Rome Peace Talks and agree to a ceasefire; Refugees and migrants deported from Algeria need aid, states MSF; 15 people die off Algerian coast; 5 deceased and 28 missing after a shipwreck off the Tunisian coast; UK Interior Minister’s visit to Rwanda; EU fears Tunisian economic collapse; Operation IRINI extended and EU ready to train more Libyan Coast Guard; Tripartite Task Force calls for addressing of refugee and migrant situation in Libya; and Protests in Athens against migration policy.
In this week’s News Highlights: UN Human Rights Council to debate on Ethiopia; Political opposition and journalists in prison in Ethiopia; Conference to establish interim government in Tigray; Accusations of war crimes by Eritrea just before CoH agreement; Humanitarian situation in Ethiopia; Situation in Laascaanood, Somalia; Constitutional amendment for elections approved in Libya, but controversial; 22 Syrian detained refugees on hunger strike in Libyan prison; IOM and UNHCR update reports on situation in Libya; Criticism on Tunisian President after racist remarks; Shipwreck off the shores of Italy kills at least 67 people, 7 more die off Libya; EU trade benefits in exchange of migration returns criticised; African leaders condemn EU for unfair trade; HRW accuses EU of neglecting its rescue duties; EU Member states call for stronger border and return policies; EU sanctions on Russia’s Wagner mercenaries partly over Africa violence; and hundreds of Eritrean refugees testify to torture endured in Libya.