World
Concerned AU urges utmost restraint amid tensions in northern Ethiopia
The AU highlighted the seizure and occupation of airports in the East African country's Tigray regional state, as well as the detention of federal personnel by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the ensuing disruption of civilian air services.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. (File photo)
By: Xinhua News Agency, Journalist @New Vision
________________
The African Union (AU) has called for utmost restraint and immediate de-escalation amid rising security tensions in northern Ethiopia.
In a press statement issued late Wednesday, the 55-member continental organization said AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed "deep concern" over renewed tensions and military escalation in northern Ethiopia.
The AU highlighted the seizure and occupation of airports in the East African country's Tigray regional state, as well as the detention of federal personnel by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the ensuing disruption of civilian air services.
The chairperson also voiced "grave concern" over reports of escalating hostilities in parts of Tigray and Afar regions, along with recent developments involving the formation of new political and military alliance that risks further destabilizing the situation and reversing the gains made to silence the guns since 2020, the statement read.
Youssouf reaffirmed that the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, signed in Pretoria in November 2022 between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF under the auspices of the AU, remains "the cornerstone of sustainable peace, stability and reconciliation in Ethiopia."
He said the seizure and occupation of civilian airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigray forces is inconsistent with the commitments and obligations under the above agreement and risks eroding hard-won gains achieved in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
The AU Commission chief called for "utmost restraint and immediate cessation of all actions that could further escalate tensions," while urging the immediate resumption of direct talks within the framework of the Pretoria agreement.
Youssouf reaffirmed that the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, signed in Pretoria in November 2022 between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF under the auspices of the AU, remains "the cornerstone of sustainable peace, stability and reconciliation in Ethiopia."
He said the seizure and occupation of civilian airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigray forces is inconsistent with the commitments and obligations under the above agreement and risks eroding hard-won gains achieved in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
The AU Commission chief called for "utmost restraint and immediate cessation of all actions that could further escalate tensions," while urging the immediate resumption of direct talks within the framework of the Pretoria agreement.
He also called upon all neighboring countries of Ethiopia to refrain from actions that could contribute to further escalation and to actively support de-escalation, dialogue, and confidence-building.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in Ethiopia's northernmost Tigray region, following Sunday's announcement of a new alliance formed by seven Ethiopian opposition and armed groups, according to local media.
Amid rising security concerns, the national flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, effective Wednesday, citing the "current situation" in the region.
Also on Wednesday, Getachew Reda, minister advisor to the Ethiopian Prime Minister on East African Affairs, said TPLF forces launched "an all-out offensive" against government positions in Afar and Amhara regions, adding that TPLF forces have taken over previously federally-controlled airports in Tigray.
Tigray was at the epicenter of a two-year conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and TPLF-loyal troops from November 2020 to November 2022, which left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, before the two parties signed the landmark Pretoria peace accord.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in Ethiopia's northernmost Tigray region, following Sunday's announcement of a new alliance formed by seven Ethiopian opposition and armed groups, according to local media.
Amid rising security concerns, the national flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, effective Wednesday, citing the "current situation" in the region.
Also on Wednesday, Getachew Reda, minister advisor to the Ethiopian Prime Minister on East African Affairs, said TPLF forces launched "an all-out offensive" against government positions in Afar and Amhara regions, adding that TPLF forces have taken over previously federally-controlled airports in Tigray.
Tigray was at the epicenter of a two-year conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and TPLF-loyal troops from November 2020 to November 2022, which left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, before the two parties signed the landmark Pretoria peace accord.