Saudi Arabia to launch Environmental Compliance Forum to chart more sustainable futureRIYADH: Saudi Arabia will launch the first Environmental Compliance Forum 2024 on Sunday. The two-day gathering will seek to develop a comprehensive vision for the advancement of the environmental sector between the governmental, private and nonprofit sectors. Saad Al-Matrafi, the center’s spokesman, said that more than 40 international and regional figures from 10 countries will discuss topics related to future trends in the field of the sustainable environment. Meanwhile, the Sustainability Cafe will encourage young people to discuss their aspirations and roles regarding the environment, with the participation of several specialized environmental associations. Participants will include several CEOs of national environmental centers, and major national companies such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, the New Square Development Company, and the Saudi Mining Company.

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed a soft loan agreement worth $55 million with Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Feryel Ouerghi. The loan will finance the renewal and development of the railway network for phosphate transportation in Tunisia. Ouerghi expressed appreciation for the SFD’s efforts in monitoring the development projects it funds, which facilitates their completion and helps remove obstacles. Al-Marshad, for his part, emphasized the importance of the transportation sector in the development of countries aspiring to a prosperous future for their people. Since 1975, the SFD has provided financing to Tunisia, supporting the implementation of 35 development projects and programs through soft loans and generous grants totaling over $1.3 billion.

The forum will feature the participation of specialists and decision-makers in the field of the environment locally, regionally and globally, to develop a comprehensive vision for the advancement of the environmental sector between the governmental, private and non-profit sectors. Saad Al-Matrafi, the center’s spokesman, said that the two- day forum, which will conclude on Monday, will involve more than 40 international and regional figures from 10 countries, to discuss many topics related to future trends in the field of the sustainable environment. The forum will also deal with other topics, most notably how to chart the way to a brighter future, policy and governance, technology and innovation in the field of the environment, sustainable development and quality of life, private sector participation, community participation, and youth and the environment. Meanwhile, the Sustainability Cafe will provide an opportunity to hear the opinions of young people and discuss their aspirations and roles toward the environment, with the participation of several specialized environmental associations. The participants will include the former Japanese environment minister, several CEOs of national environmental centers, and major national companies such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, the New Square Development Company, and the Saudi Mining Company.

Somalia president: We will defend ourselves against Ethiopia's aggressionSomalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks during an interview with Reuters, in his office in Mogadishu, Somalia February 20, 2024. REUTERS/Feisal OmarMOGADISHU, Somalia - Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia, insists the country shall defend itself against Ethiopia's expansionist ambitions, noting that no inch of the nation will be annexed by the Horn of Africa nation which is striving to get land for port and military base. "If Ethiopia insists, Somalia will resist and will refuse," Mohamud told Reuters on Tuesday in an interview at the heavily fortified presidential palace in Mogadishu. "If they come into the country, Somalia will do everything that it can to defend itself." Neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia fought over territory in 1977-1978 and 1982, AP reports.

Discover Freetown: Ethiopian Airlines unveils direct route via OuagadougouFavoriteEthiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest network operator, is delighted to announce the launch of thrice-weekly passenger services to Freetown, Sierra Leone, via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, commencing on May 31, 2024. ET 942: Freetown (FNA) – Ouagadougou (OUA) – Addis Ababa (ADD) | Wed, Fri, SunRegarding the commencement of the new route Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “We are delighted to expand our West Africa network with the addition of Freetown, Sierra Leone. It serves not only as the largest urban center in Sierra Leone but also as a gateway to the country’s remarkable natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. In line with its dedication to delivering smooth and effective travel services, Ethiopian Airlines proudly incorporates Freetown into its extensive network. Ethiopian Airlines eagerly anticipates the opportunity to extend its renowned hospitality to passengers aboard flights to and from Freetown.

STORY: Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says his country will "defend itself" if Ethiopia goes ahead with a deal to set up a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland. "If Ethiopia is insisting, Somalia will resist and will refuse." The deal could also see Ethiopia potentially recognize the territory as an independent state. It is territory Somalia says it owns, even though the region has enjoyed effective autonomy since 1991. "If they come into the country, Somalia will do everything that it can to defend itself, definitely.

Earlier this month, a local rights group said dozens of people were killed, prompting the United States to call for an investigation. Last April, a rebellion broke out when the Ethiopian government tried to dissolve local forces and absorb them into the Ethiopian Army, reports The Associated Press. On Feb. 6, the Ethiopia Human Rights Council said it received information “showing that massive human rights violations were committed” during fighting in Merawi on Jan. 29 between the Fano and the Ethiopian army. Following the fighting, the Ethiopian army began conducting house-to-house searches, looking for Fano supporters and killing people they thought were suspicious. The Ethiopian military are the only ones to use drones during the fighting — and they have used them extensively, according to the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, or EHRC.

Gun found in backpack at Dillard High on Thursday, may be linked to a shooting earlier in the day Morgan Rynor reports the student who was found on campus with the gun is 15 years old and has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property.

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Ejere town, Hidhabu Abote district of the North Shoa zone, Oromia region (Photo: Social Media)Addis Abeba – Following three days of intense gun battles between the Ethiopian government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Hidhabu Abote district of the North Shoa zone, Oromia region, residents reported that 15 civilians were killed and over ten others were injured. According to the resident, Hora Tufaa (70 years old), Dhekeba Redo (25 years old), and Tamiru Bayana (23 years old) were among the civilians killed during the fighting. He added that the wounded have been receiving treatment at the hospital in Fiche, a major town in the North Shoa zone. Furthermore, he said that although conflicts have occurred in the area before, the scale of casualties this time around is unprecedented. Two rounds of attempts to peacefully resolve the militarized conflict that is ongoing for more than five years in the Oromia region have been unsuccessful.

Somalia will defend itself if Ethiopia seals ‘illegal’ port deal, president saysSomali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his country would “defend itself” if Ethiopia goes ahead with a deal to set up a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland and possibly recognise the territory as an independent state. “If Ethiopia insists, Somalia will resist and will refuse,” Mohamud told Reuters on Tuesdayin an interview at the heavily fortified presidential palace in Mogadishu. Analysts and diplomats fear a withdrawal of Ethiopian troops would further destabilise Somalia, where al Shabaab attacks have killed thousands of civilians and soldiers since 2006. Ethiopian troops invaded Somalia in late 2006 to oust an Islamist movement from which al Shabaab originated. Mohamud said his government’s estimates showed al Shabaab had recruited between 6,000 and 8,000 new fighters in January alone.

Turkiye has also been training Somalia’s soldiers for a few years in a bid to help the country develop its army. “Turkiye’s recent strategic moves aim to bolster Somalia’s military, promote stability, and protect its interests through security, economic, and humanitarian efforts,” he added. For Rashid Abdi, chief analyst at Sahan Research, a Nairobi-based think tank, the deal gives Turkiye huge leverage to reshape Somalia and the Horn of Africa. “Turkish navy will help rebuild Somali navy and will deploy ships to patrol its maritime Economic Protection Zone. It is therefore uncertain how Ankara will balance the competing demands of its two Horn allies — Ethiopia and Somalia.

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Turkiye has also been training Somalia’s soldiers for a few years in a bid to help the country develop its army. “Turkiye’s recent strategic moves aim to bolster Somalia’s military, promote stability, and protect its interests through security, economic, and humanitarian efforts,” he added. “This gives Somalia a very essential partner in matters of national security, counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and border protection, including against illegal fishing. “Turkish navy will help rebuild Somali navy and will deploy ships to patrol its maritime Economic Protection Zone. It is therefore uncertain how Ankara will balance the competing demands of its two Horn allies — Ethiopia and Somalia.

“If Ethiopia insists, Somalia will resist and will refuse,” Mohamud told Reuters on Tuesday in an interview at the heavily fortified presidential palace in Mogadishu. Analysts and diplomats fear a withdrawal of Ethiopian troops would further destabilise Somalia, where al Shabaab attacks have killed thousands of civilians and soldiers since 2006. Somalia and several Western countries, including the United States, which regularly carries out strikes against militants in Somalia, have said Ethiopia’s port deal has boosted al Shabaab’s recruitment efforts. Ethiopian troops invaded Somalia in late 2006 to oust a movement from which al Shabaab originated. Mohamud said his government’s estimates showed al Shabaab had recruited between 6,000 and 8,000 new fighters in January alone.