The United States has terminated temporary legal protection for thousands of Ethiopian nationals. The government has instructed affected individuals to depart within 60 days or risk arrest and deportation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that conditions in Ethiopia “no longer pose a serious threat” to returning citizens despite persistent violence in certain regions. This decision impacts approximately 5,000 individuals who had escaped armed conflict and forms part of a wider initiative under President Donald Trump to eliminate legal status for over one million migrants from multiple nations. The announcement contradicts the State Department’s own travel advisory for Ethiopia, which advises Americans to “reconsider” visiting due to “sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, communications disruptions, terrorism and kidnapping”. The termination will become effective in early February 2026. The administration has provided what it describes as a “complimentary plane ticket” and “$1,000 exit bonus” to those who voluntarily depart through a mobile app to report their exit.

Flash floods triggered by torrential rains have resulted in at least 21 fatalities in Morocco’s coastal city of Safi, with approximately 32 additional people injured. Intense rainfall inundated the area, flooding numerous homes and businesses, destroying vehicles, and isolating roadways. At least 70 properties in Safi’s historic district suffered damage. Water levels receded as rescue operations continued searching for potential additional victims. Morocco is currently experiencing heavy precipitation and snowfall in the Atlas Mountains following seven consecutive years of drought that had left the country’s major reservoirs depleted.

Eritrea has withdrawn from the East African regional bloc IGAD, accusing the organization of “becoming a tool against” nations similar to itself. Eritrea’s foreign ministry stated that IGAD had deviated from its foundational principles and failed to promote regional stability. This announcement emerged amid escalating tensions and verbal exchanges with neighboring Ethiopia, raising concerns about potential renewed hostilities between the two nations. Eritrea’s foreign ministry claimed IGAD no longer provided strategic value and had abandoned its mandate. IGAD countered that Eritrea had not participated constructively in meetings or reform initiatives since rejoining the bloc in 2023. The withdrawal follows persistent accusations from Asmara that IGAD favored Ethiopia in regional conflicts, amid disputes over Red Sea access, questions regarding Eritrean sovereignty, and a history of conflict that has repeatedly destabilized the Horn of Africa.

A drone attack in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers and injuries to eight others. The strike targeted a logistics facility of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assault as “unjustifiable,” suggesting it might constitute a war crime. Sudan’s government and military attributed the incident to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the RSF denied responsibility. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus conveyed profound sorrow and requested emergency assistance, while the Bangladesh Army reported persistent instability in the area with continuing clashes and ongoing rescue operations. The attack coincides with Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict between the military and RSF factions, which has led to tens of thousands of casualties, millions of displaced persons, and significant humanitarian challenges, with international mediation efforts thus far unsuccessful.

The UN Security Council has unanimously renewed the mandate of the panel overseeing sanctions against Somalia-based Al-Shabaab. The council extended key enforcement measures until November 30, 2026. All fifteen council members supported the resolution, which maintained authorization for naval inspections to enforce the arms embargo on Somalia, upheld the prohibition on charcoal exports and restrictions on improvised explosive devices, while other sanctions including travel bans, asset freezes, and comprehensive arms embargoes remained indefinite. The United Kingdom, which spearheaded the negotiations, stated that the decision enhanced efforts to limit the group’s access to weaponry, disrupt its funding networks, and bolster Somalia’s security capabilities. The renewal coincided with intensified aerial operations by Somali forces, with international support, targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, as the government reported hundreds of militants killed in recent strikes.