Saturday 12,April 2025 {HMC} Ethiopia on Friday appointed a former rebel and recently ousted Tigrayan leader as a government minister, a move analysts fear could exacerbate divisions in the increasingly restive northern region.

Tigray still suffers from the aftermath of a brutal two-year conflict, ended by a 2022 peace deal that established the interim administration.

The war was one of the deadliest in recent decades, claiming roughly 600,000 lives and pitting Tigrayan rebels against federal forces, supported by local militias and the Eritrean army.

Getachew Reda was ousted as leader of the interim administration, replaced earlier this month by the head of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Debretsion Gebremichael, after an internal power struggle.

‘Ultimate betrayal’

On Friday, Getachew was appointed by Addis Ababa as an “advisor on East African affairs to the Prime Minister with the rank of minister,” according to an X post.

The 50-year-old previously served as minister of communications until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018.

Getachew’s appointment is the “ultimate betrayal and risks increasing polarisation” across the region for both elites and general population, said Mehdi Labzae, an Ethiopia specialist at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research.

“Getachew Reda has maintained great popularity, he carries weight, we’ll see what happens now,” he told AFP.

‘True colours’

Horn of Africa specialist Kjetil Tronvoll agreed, saying the appointment will “accentuate divisions” in a region still devastated by the bloodletting.

“Getachew Reda will be accused of showing his true colours by collaborating with the enemy,” he told AFP.

While peace has mostly returned to the region, a failure to fully implement the terms of the 2022 Pretoria peace deal has fuelled divisions within the Tigrayan political elite.

And the TPLF divisions have rekindled fears of a new conflict, with armed men loyal to Debretsion seizing several towns last month and overthrowing mayors appointed by the interim administration.

Relations are also strained between Ethiopia and its neighbour Eritrea, which is accused of supporting Debretsion’s faction.

Saturday 12,April 2025 {HMC}  At least five civilians were killed and nearly ten others wounded on Friday when the vehicle they were traveling in struck a landmine between Ceel Gub and Adale in the Middle Shabelle region, according to local officials.

Saadaq Mukhtaar, a lawmaker in the Hirshabelle regional Parliament, told Somali National Television that the al-Shabaab militant group was responsible for planting the explosive device.

“Five people were killed and more than a dozen injured. Some sustained minor injuries, while four others were seriously wounded,” said MP Saadaq, confirming the casualties.

He noted that arrangements were underway to airlift the wounded to Mogadishu for medical treatment.

The blast occurred around 11 a.m. local time, a few days after government forces had taken control of Ceel Gub from al-Shabaab following heavy fighting.

No group has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, but al-Shabaab routinely uses roadside bombs and landmines to target both military and civilian convoys.

Al-Shabaab is a terrorist organization affiliated with al-Qaeda and is designated as such by Somalia, the United States, the United Nations, and numerous other international actors.

Saturday 12,April 2025 {HMC} Somali police have arrested the Director General of Shabelle Media Network, Abuukar Sheikh Mohamud Abuukar “Sky,” and Deputy Director Mohamud Abdinasir Soofeysane on Saturday, amid growing concerns over press freedom in the country.

The two executives were summoned separately before being taken into custody at the Hamarweyne District Police Station in Mogadishu. The network condemned the arrests and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

“This unlawful detention of our senior staff represents a blatant attack on media freedom. We call for their unconditional release and urge authorities to cease their intimidation of journalists,” the statement read.

The detentions follow Friday’s brief arrest of Reuters photojournalist Faisal Omar by the Banadir Regional Police, adding to a string of recent incidents seen as efforts to stifle critical media voices.

The opposition Himilo Qaran party, led by former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, also denounced the arrests, describing them as part of a crackdown on dissent and free press.

“This shows that the government and the Banadir Regional Police have ignored repeated calls to stop suppressing the free media,” the party said in a statement. It also demanded the release of both journalists and political figure Abdirahman Suleyman Jama, chairman of the Somali People’s Political Organization.

Abdirahman Suleyman was arrested last week under suspicion of committing acts “against national security,” though police have not released specific charges. His detention followed a televised interview on Shabelle TV in which he criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing the government of military failure and financial mismanagement.

Reports indicate that Mohamud Abdinasir Soofeysane’s arrest is linked to his role in airing that interview.

The Somali Federal Government has not issued an official comment on the arrests. The incidents have raised alarms among press freedom advocates, as Somalia continues to rank among the most dangerous environments in the world for journalists.

Saturday 12,April 2025 {HMC} Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Friday on the sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which opened the same day in Turkey.

During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and expressed Cairo’s hopes for peace, security, and stability in Somalia.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Somalia’s stability is critical to peace and security in the Horn of Africa. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to strengthening Somali state institutions and assisting national security and state-building efforts.

The foreign minister also reiterated Egypt’s backing of Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, pledging continued assistance to combat extremist threats and promote regional peace.

President Mohamud thanked Egypt for its longstanding support, highlighting the strategic partnership and deep-rooted ties between the two nations. He welcomed Egypt’s role as a key regional ally during a critical phase in Somalia’s state reconstruction and military campaign against al-Shabaab.