AU Calls for 'Immediate Cessation of Hostilities' in Ethiopia
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The African Union on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to the spiraling conflict in Ethiopia, where the army has launched military operations in the northern region of Tigray.
"The Chairperson appeals for the immediate cessation of hostilities and calls on parties to respect human rights and ensure the protection of civilians," Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union Commission, said in a statement, AFP reported.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops and air force jets into Tigray last week in a campaign against the regional ruling party, which has been at odds with Abiy's government for months.
Abiy, the 2019 Nobel Peace laureate, said the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) had crossed a "red line" and attacked two federal military bases, something the regional party has denied.
Ethiopia's air force has bombed military assets in the region, Abiy said, while fighting between the national army and forces loyal to the TPLF has reportedly left dozens injured.
Abiy has sought to downplay the concerns of the international community, amid fears Ethiopia is being sucked into a civil war that risks stability in the wider region.
Faki urged "the parties to engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the country" and said the 55-nation bloc was ready to support an Ethiopian-led effort to solving the crisis.
Tigray has been under a communications blackout ever since, making it difficult to weigh competing claims about casualties and who holds what territory.
