African Union expresses concern over renewed tensions and military escalation in northern Ethiopia
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over renewed tensions and military escalation in northern Ethiopia, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and resumption of talks.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Algiers, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern today, Wednesday, over the resumption of tensions and military escalation in northern Ethiopia, including the seizure of the airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, and the detention of government officials by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), as well as the subsequent disruption of civil air transport services.
In a statement, Youssouf condemned "the reported escalation of hostilities in parts of southern Tigray and the Afar region, as well as recent developments concerning the formation of new political and military alliances, which could lead to further destabilization and a reversal of the gains achieved in the ceasefire process since 2020."
He affirmed that "the permanent peace agreement through a permanent cessation of hostilities, signed in Pretoria on November 2, 2022, between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF under African Union auspices, remains the cornerstone for achieving sustainable peace, stability, and reconciliation in Ethiopia."
He added that "the seizure of the civil airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigray forces contradicts the commitments and pledges contained in the Pretoria Agreement and threatens to undermine the painstakingly achieved gains in establishing lasting peace and stability."
The Commission Chairman called for "the utmost restraint and an immediate halt to all measures that could escalate tensions," emphasizing the necessity of "resuming direct talks without delay within the framework of the Pretoria Agreement."
He urged all neighboring countries of Ethiopia to refrain from any actions that could contribute to further escalation and to actively support de-escalation efforts, dialogue, and confidence-building.
The Commission Chairman requested former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo to engage urgently with the parties and support renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions, enhancing dialogue, and safeguarding the peace process, in line with the African Union's efforts to preserve the achievements made over the more than three years since the signing of the Pretoria Agreement and to advance the ceasefire agenda. (End) M.R. / R.J.
