crackdown

ADDIS ABABA: As another day dawns in Ethiopia, shadows of an "escalating crackdown" on civil society grow longer, according to Human Rights Watch. Lately, the country has witnessed the suspension of two pivotal human rights organizations, causing a stir in both local and international circles. Last December, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC), renowned for its enduring legacy, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) found themselves curtailed by a governmental watchdog. This was on grounds that…

A checkpoint, weathered by time and sand, stands steadfast amidst the arid expanse of Somalia’s Northeastern State region. On a brisk March day in 2018, this sentinel of vigilance welcomed the world to Bossaso's bustling port city. Fast forwarding to today, Northeastern State's guardians are unfurling new strategies to unravel the tangled web of financial channels feeding the Islamic State's voracious appetite. In a bold maneuver, Northeastern State authorities have erected barriers against the clandestine incursion of…

On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the streets of Mogadishu buzzed with an unsual energy as Somali security forces scattered themselves across the city, staking their claim on Mogadishu's bustling corners. Their mission? Silencing the city’s signature soundtrack—auto-rickshaw speakers. These speakers, which once belted out catchy tunes and lively broadcasts, now find themselves tangled up in controversy. Just like that quiet guy at a party who suddenly breaks into a dance—unexpectedly! Police…

In Rwanda, the internet and social networks are now in the sights of the authorities. In its latest report, published today, Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Human Rights Watch once again condemns the harassment of bloggers and youtubers.…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Hundreds of Tigrayans have reportedly been detained in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, amid the conflict between the Tigrayan defense forces. and the federal government takes on a new dimension, probably at increasing levels. In a detailed report released by Reuters, police have been on the run, targeting innocent Tigray civilians, since the Ethiopian National Defense Forces lost Mekelle, the regional administrative capital of Tigray. The detentions in the Ethiopian capital are the third wave…

US slows down al-Shabaab crackdown in Somalia amid upsurge in terrorist attacks MOGADISHU, Somalia - For seven months, the United States slowed down operations against Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, in a strategy widely criticized by local actors, who believe that US Africa Command's efforts were still needed to eradicate them. activists. On January 19, an American plane opened fire on a…

US military equips Danab forces amid al-Shabaab crackdown MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US military handed over armored vehicles to Danab's special forces, which carried out operations against Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern Somalia, which ended earlier this week ahead of the next phase . For years, the United States has been a crucial security partner in the fight against al-Shabaab,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Dozens of al-Shabaab fighters have been killed in recent weeks following Somali National Army operation under the leadership of the Chief of Defense Forces, General Yusuf Rageh Odowaa. The operation was primarily aimed at Moyen-Shebelle in central Somalia and was widely hailed as "successful" by several SNA commanders who participated in the exercise. This is not the first time the military has targeted Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. During the operation, state media reported, dozens of Al-Shabaab…