South Sudan Faces Deepening Corruption While Hunger Crisis Escalates Overview of Corruption in South Sudan In a recent report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, it has been revealed that billions of public dollars have been misappropriated through extensive government corruption. This alarming trend has occurred over the past decade, significantly impacting the lives of South Sudan’s population, which is currently approaching 11 million. The country, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil conflict, is now grappling with a severe food crisis while a select group of political elites enrich themselves. Corruption…
Author: Abren
Anticipatory Action in Eastern Africa: A Lifeline for Millions in 2024 Summary of Essential Humanitarian Efforts Since January 2024, anticipatory action has emerged as a pivotal strategy to assist 4.7 million individuals across 10 countries in Eastern Africa. This proactive approach addresses potential crises, including floods, drought, conflict, disease outbreaks, and pests. The nations most significantly impacted include Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. Humanitarian efforts have mobilized a total of USD 53.3 million through the collaborative work of 62 organizations across 11 sectors. Leveraging Predictive Risk Analytics In Eastern Africa, humanitarian organizations are employing predictive risk analytics to mitigate the…
Ethiopia’s Mega International Airport Project: A Landmark for Africa’s Future Addis Ababa, September 16, 2025 – The mega international airport project in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, symbolizes a significant leap not just for the nation but for the entire African continent. During a recent panel discussion, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide underscored the importance of the new airport as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s infrastructure vision, which aims to foster economic growth, global connectivity, and sustainable development. A Vision for Africa’s Growth Ahmed Shide stated that this ambitious project embodies a strong belief in Africa’s potential. It is strategically designed to enhance connectivity and…
Migrant Trends Along the Eastern Route: Insights from Ethiopia Overview of Migration Patterns in 2025 Between January and June 2025, Ethiopia has witnessed a significant increase in migration along the Eastern Route, with a recorded 238,000 exits. This figure represents a 34% rise compared to 178,300 exits during the same period in 2024. Factors Contributing to Increased Migration Several factors have triggered this uptick in migration: New Landing Sites: Migrants are increasingly using new landing sites in Ta’izz, which enhances opportunities for smoother transitions. Quicker Transit Routes: Migrants seeking to minimize detection have been utilizing faster transit routes through Obock,…
markdown Ongoing Conflict in Ethiopia’s Wollega Region: A Humanitarian Crisis For over five years, the western regions of Ethiopia, especially the Wollega area, have been grappling with unrelenting conflict. Recent clashes on June 6, 2025, between Unidentified Armed Groups (UAGs) in the border villages of East Wollega and Benishangul Gumuz resulted in widespread violence, forcing thousands of families to evacuate their homes. In a single day, over 11,000 individuals were displaced, with the scope of unrest quickly expanding to surrounding communities, culminating in more than 22,000 newly displaced people. Humanitarian Needs in Wollega The situation in Wollega is dire, with…
Understanding Humanitarian Impact: Insights from Sharon Eubank Sharon Eubank, the Director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been at the forefront of humanitarian relief since assuming the role in 2011. Under her leadership, the department’s budget has increased fivefold, enabling the church to engage in numerous relief projects across the globe. Eubank’s forthcoming book, “Doing Small Things With Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World,” scheduled for release on September 16, further explores the dynamics of effective humanitarian efforts. The Evolution of Humanitarian Services Humanitarian Services initiated in 1985, initially responding…
Enhancing Ophthalmology Training in Sub-Saharan Africa Introduction In efforts to combat preventable blindness in Sub-Saharan Africa, innovative initiatives are underway to improve ophthalmology training for local professionals. Samsung has partnered with VisionCare, an international NGO, to provide state-of-the-art display technology in hospitals across Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. This collaboration is part of the transformative project, “Open Your Eyes, Africa! See Together, Africa!” The Role of VisionCare in Eye Health VisionCare has made significant strides in expanding access to eye care in regions grappling with high rates of preventable blindness. Recognized with the Samsung Ho-Am Award for Social Service in 2025,…
Ethiopia Celebrates the Inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Addis Ababa, September 16, 2025 — The Amhara region witnessed vibrant public rallies as residents celebrated the recent inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This monumental event marks a historic achievement for Ethiopia, reflecting national pride and unity. A Historic Milestone On September 9, 2025, Ethiopia officially inaugurated the GERD amidst fanfare, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and several African leaders. The completion of the dam, funded entirely by Ethiopian citizens and the government, highlights the collective effort and determination of the nation to undertake significant…
In a surprising but strategically sound turn of events, Somalia eased tensions with Ethiopia through a deal brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Ankara Declaration, as it’s being called, not only provides a face-saving exit for both countries but also positions Somalia for a stronger future—one grounded in pragmatic diplomacy rather than regional rivalry. For context, Somalia’s initial alignment with Egypt—an archrival of Ethiopia—came as a response to Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a de-facto independent region that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory. Egypt, ever wary of Ethiopia’s growing influence sought to draw Eritrea into a broader…
In towns and cities across the Amhara Region, people ignored threats by Fano insurgents not to demonstrate in public Hundreds of thousands of people in dozens of cities and towns across Ethiopia’s Amhara region have taken to the streets in a powerful demand for peace. Amid a year of violent conflict between the government and the Fano rebels, demonstrators are calling for an immediate end to the armed conflict, the restoration of safety and security, and the return of normalcy to their daily lives. Demonstrators defied threats by Fano not to come out onto the streets. The Fano, a group…