AU calls for an unconditional ceasefire in northern Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA - The African Union [AU] has raised concerns over the ongoing massacre in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, arguing that the parties involved should embrace a ceasefire by putting the interests of the nation ahead of anything for the sake of peace and stability.

In a statement that was released on Sunday after the United States called for order in Tigray, the African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki said he is following the "grave concerns" of renewed hostilities in Tigray, which started in August.

Faki, who had authorized former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to spearhead talks between the Tigray authorities and the federal government of Ethiopia, called for an immediate ceasefire in the country, adding that both parties should embrace dialogue.

"The Chairperson strongly calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian services," the statement read, amid a report of heightened operations by Eritrea and Ethiopian forces in Shire town within Tigray.

"The Chairperson urges the Parties to recommit to dialogue as per their agreement to direct talks to be convened in South Africa by a high-level team led by the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and supported by the international community."

But in a quick rejoinder, Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF] spokesperson Getachew Reda said the region's top leadership is ready for the talks but noted that there is a need to compel Eritrea soldiers and their Ethiopian allies to vacate from the region with immediate effect.

"We believe it is a very welcome, if long overdue, statement in light of the extremely alarming humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of the campaign by the Eritrean army and its Ethiopian allies, " he said in a statement, which was posted in his official Twitter account.

Earlier on Saturday, the International Rescue Committee accused Ethiopian forces and their Eritrean counterparts of killing an aid worker in Shire town following an airstrike. The organization further said two civilians were killed and three others badly wounded.

Fighting in the region started in November 2020 but efforts to call for dialogue have often been futile. Last week, the African Union organized peace talks in South Africa but they were canceled last minute following a few logistical challenges.

GAROWE ONLINE