This week’s news highlights include an update about the latest European developments concerning Afghan asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors in Europe. Also this week: political developments at the Horn of Africa, covering the latest news in Somaliland, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea.
On Wednesday 25 January, the European Commission revealed its strategy for blocking the migration flows along the Central Mediterranean Route, especially around Libya. The short-term measurements are intended to significantly reduce crossings before this summer. The measurements include additional support to the Libyan coast guard, strengthening border authorities in North African countries and increasing returns.
On 24 November 2016, Eritrean lawyer Daniel Mekonnen gave a speech at a panel discussion on Eritrea, organized by Amnesty International, in Basel, Switzerland. The speech was aimed at two recent pronouncements by the Swiss government that suggest that positive political change is taking place in Eritrea. According to Mekonnen, this completely ignores the reality in the country.