The article reports on the dire conditions and human rights abuses in Saudi migrant detention centres, particularly targeting African and Yemeni migrants. Saudi authorities have been conducting mass searches to confiscate communication devices to prevent images of the suffering from being broadcasted, especially during Ramadan. Detainees report overcrowding, lack of food, and abuse. Despite an agreement with Ethiopia to deport 100,000 Ethiopians, the centres remain crowded due to ongoing arrests. The European Union parliament condemned Saudi Arabia for mistreatment of migrants, and rights groups have reported abuse and deaths in these centres. Detainees have shared their experiences of extortion by prison officials and neglect by Ethiopian officials. The article also touches on the mental health issues faced by returnees to Ethiopia and the support provided by the IOM.

The article by Bileh Jelan for Addis Standard reports on the severe drought affecting East Bale zone in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Residents, including Aliyi Sheik Osman and Fatima Siraj, describe the lack of government support and insufficient aid in the face of this climate-induced crisis. The drought has been worsened by marginalization, poor governance, and corruption. The region has experienced the worst drought in decades, with millions in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia facing life-threatening food and water shortages. FEWS NET and FAO data indicate that the drought is exacerbated by climate change, desertification, and land degradation. The article highlights the stories of individuals and families who have lost their livestock and livelihoods, and the community's efforts to support each other. Despite the dire situation, regional government officials claim to be coordinating sufficient responses, which is contradicted by the experiences of the affected residents. The article underscores the need for better governance and effective aid distribution to address the crisis.

Violence erupted again at the border between the Afar and Somali regions, with the Somali regional government accusing Afar Special Forces and a group called 'Uguguma' of violence and implementing the TPLF's agenda. The Somali government criticized the federal security forces for failing to protect civilians. The Freedom and Equality Party of the Somali region condemned the violence and called for swift action. Casualty figures are unknown, but Somali residents protested by blocking a key corridor. The Afar regional government dismissed the Somali government's claims as propaganda, focusing instead on the conflict with TPLF forces.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is closely monitoring the situation of 21 detained staff members and journalists from Ethio-Forum and Awlo Media, including Bekalu Alamrew and Yayesew Shimeles, who were arrested by federal security forces between June 30 and July 2, 2021. The EHRC has urged authorities to follow due process and release the detainees if no court orders justify their arrests. Despite the Federal Police confirming the release of four detainees, the EHRC is concerned about the lack of access to the remaining detainees for their lawyers and families, and the absence of a court order. EHRC Commissioner Daniel Bekele emphasized the importance of due process to maintain trust in the legal system and announced the commission's intention to visit and monitor the detainees' conditions. This follows a crackdown on Tigrayan civilians in Addis Abeba amid concerns of ethnic profiling.

The UN Security Council supported African Union-led negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute, urging Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to resume talks. Ethiopia began filling the dam's reservoir for a second year, which Egypt and Sudan oppose, viewing it as a threat to their water sovereignty. Ethiopia's Water Minister Seleshi Bekele defended the dam's benefits for Ethiopians lacking electricity and called for negotiations under the AU. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned of existential threats posed by the dam's unilateral filling. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dina Mufti deemed the UNSC's stance a significant diplomatic success for Ethiopia.

Somaliland held parliamentary and local district elections on May 31, 2021, across all six regions, with over one million registered voters. The elections, which had been postponed several times since 2005, saw 1,020 candidates vying for parliamentary and local municipality seats. The Ministry of Interior restricted movements to ensure a smooth election process. The elections are seen as a step towards international recognition and the strengthening of democracy in Somaliland. The three main political parties participating were Kulmiye, Waddani, and UCID. Biometric voter registration was used, and separate voting booths were provided for men and women. Voters expressed hope for international recognition and the development of the country post-election.

Egypt and Sudan have completed preparations for the 'Nile Protectors' joint military training exercise scheduled in Sudan from May 26 to 31, 2021. The exercise aims to exchange military expertise and enhance cooperation. Meanwhile, tensions remain high between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with Ethiopia affirming that the second filling of the dam will proceed as planned. Ethiopia criticizes Egypt and Sudan for internationalizing the issue and undermining trust, while emphasizing the importance of African solutions to African problems.

Over 350 Ethiopian migrants are reported to have perished in a fire at a detention center in Sana'a, Yemen, according to a community organizer. The fire broke out on March 7, with more than 170 injured. While the IOM has not confirmed the death toll, it has dispatched teams and medical supplies to assist. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia is monitoring the situation and plans to investigate. Witnesses claim the fire was started by Houthi militias after detainees protested and refused recruitment to fight. Human rights abuses against Ethiopian migrants by Houthi rebels have been previously reported by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The IOM is working to resume voluntary returns for migrants to Ethiopia.