Europe External Programme with Africa is a Belgium-based Centre of Expertise with in-depth knowledge, publications, and networks, specialised in issues of peacebuilding, refugee protection, and resilience in the Horn of Africa. EEPA has published extensively on issues related to the movement and/or human trafficking of refugees in the Horn of Africa and on the Central Mediterranean Route. It cooperates with a wide network of universities, research organisations, civil society, and experts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and across Africa. The Situation Reports can be found here. To receive the situation report in your e-mail, click here. You can unsubscribe at any moment through the link at the bottom of each e-mail.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 11 March)
- At least nine people died in a violent attack in the Dara district, North Shewa Zone of the Oromia region, on 7 March. The attackers also burned houses.
- Witnesses attributed the attacks to Fano militia. It is reported that the attackers also kidnapped children and elderly.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned about the “violent incidents” in Amhara and Oromia, stated the IMF Director of the Communications Department during a media briefing. IMF states it is closely following the developments.
- The conflict in Amhara already resulted in the loss of property valued at over 15 billion birr, stated the Amhara Regional Government. The security crisis is also severely hindering mineral mining operations, including gold mining.
- News outlets linked to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appear to have started a defamation campaign against Tigray Interim Administration and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
- The Ethiopian ambassador to the UAE said in a meeting that the TPLF “can only be trusted when it is dead and buried”. He claimed that Western Tigray was never discussed in Pretoria and he insisted that Western Tigray was “illegally occupied by TPLF”.
- Social media outlets linked to the Ethiopian Federal government are accusing Getachew Reda of conspiring with Eritrean President Isaias in order to overthrow the Ethiopian government. Some observers state that it looks like an organised campaign.
Situation in Tigray (per 11 March)
- The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) issued a statement confirming its dedication to peace. It affirmed its dedication to the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Situation in Sudan (per 11 March)
- Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Yasser al-Atta stated that SAF will not commit to a Ramadan ceasefire in Sudan, unless the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaves all civilian sites.
- The UN Security Council urged the warring parties in Sudan to immediately halt hostilities during the month of Ramadan to enable aid to reach the people most in need. The resolution in the UNSC was drafted by the UK, and supported by 14 out of the 15 countries (Russia abstained).
- RSF welcomed the ceasefire call, on the condition of “mutually agreed upon monitoring mechanisms”.
- The month of Ramadan started today.
- SAF is reportedly gaining ground in Omdurman. It is also starting a counter-offensive towards Wad Madani.
- RSF attacked SAF-positions in Babanusa, West Kordofan, on 7 and 8 March.
- Fighting also broke out last week between RSF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (Al-Hilu) in South Kordofan.
Situation in South Sudan (per 11 March)
- South Sudan is not on a credible path for elections this year as the government is lagging behind in preparations, stated a US State Department official.
- The official stated that the US would consider options, including sanctions, in case of election delay or breakouts of violence.
- Tension is rising among citizens in Juba city due to a rapid rise (around 180%) in the exchange rate of the US dollar.
- More than 20 people were arrested in Lado Payam, Juba County, Central Equatoria State, including senior military personnel, on allegations of land grabbing and harassment of local communities.
- A South Sudan activist is charged in the US for allegedly attempting to import weapons into South Sudan in contravention to the UN arms embargo on South Sudan.
- 9 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian aid and protection in 2024, UN OCHA states.
Regional situation (per 11 March)
- Ethiopia is reportedly reconsidering recognising Somaliland under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries, due to persistent international pressure.
- The change comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi.
International Situation (per 11 March)
- Ahead of the 68th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, a group of academics, politicians and human rights defenders launched an appeal to take action on the proliferation of conflict-related sexual violence.
- The appeal highlights recent research on conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated during the Tigray war, which included interviews with women subjected to horrific cases of conflict-related sexual violence, including gang rape, mutilation, and forcing family members to witness the act.
- The appeal called for the subject to be put on the agenda as a separate topic in next year’s meeting.
- Norwegian politicians have agreed to send an action plan on countering the influence of repressive regimes in Norway to the Norwegian Parliament. The issue is set to be debated on 15 March.
- In relation to Eritrea, a member of the Norwegian Parliament outlined that possible actions may include halting the 2% diaspora tax, preventing Norwegian subsidies to churches controlled by the Eritrean government, and recognising Eritrean pro-government festivals as part of the system of repression.
- A delegation of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) including former Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok, held talks in Egypt with Egyptian officials and officials from the Arab League to discuss ending the war in Sudan.
- The US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello will travel to Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates between 11-23 March to discuss the conflict in Sudan.
Links of interest
News: Violent attack in North Shewa’s Dara district claims nine lives, displaces residents
News: Recent militarized conflict in Amhara region causes over 15 billion birr in damage
Sudan army general rules out Ramadan truce unless RSF leaves civilian sites
UN Security Council calls for ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan
South Sudan elections not on path for credible process, US official warns
South Sudan Activist in US Charged With Trying to Export Arms Illegally for Coup Back Home
South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (January 2024)
Ethiopia May Scrap Somaliland Recognition Amid Regional Pressure
Norwegian parties send plan to end transnational repression of Eritreans to Parliament
Hamdok in Cairo to Push Forward Efforts to End Sudan War
Disclaimer: All information in this Situation Report is presented as a fluid update report, as to the best knowledge and understanding of the authors at the moment of publication. EEPA does not claim that the information is correct but verifies to the best of ability within the circumstances. Publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand potential impacts of events (or perceptions of these) on the situation. Check all information against updates and other media. EEPA does not take responsibility for the use of the information or impact thereof. All information reported originates from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. Report to info@eepa.be any additional information and corrections.