Diplomacy

AU Urges Neighboring Countries To Refrain From Escalating Northern Ethiopia Tensions

The Reporter · 3 days ago · Read the Full Story on The Reporter
AU Urges Neighboring Countries To Refrain From Escalating Northern Ethiopia Tensions
AI SUMMARY

The African Union Commission has warned neighboring countries against actions that could heighten military tensions in northern Ethiopia amid renewed conflict and airport seizures.

  • The African Union Commission warned neighboring countries to refrain from actions that could heighten military tensions in northern Ethiopia.
  • AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on regional countries to support de-escalation, direct dialogue, and confidence-building efforts.
  • Renewed military escalation in northern Ethiopia includes the Tigray People's Liberation Front seizing civilian airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire.
  • Federal personnel have been detained and civilian air travel has been halted.
  • Hostilities have flared in parts of South Tigray and the Afar Region.
  • Chairperson Youssouf requested former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to urgently engage stakeholders in renewed diplomatic efforts.
  • The AU reaffirmed that the November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement remains the cornerstone of sustainable peace.
  • Taking control of civilian aviation infrastructure directly violates commitments signed under the Pretoria accord.