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African Union and U.S. Diplomats Express Concern Over Conflict in Northern Ethiopia

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African Union and U.S. Diplomats Express Concern Over Conflict in Northern Ethiopia
AI SUMMARY

African Union and U.S. officials have expressed deep concern over escalating conflict and military activities in northern Ethiopia, urging an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to political dialogue.

  • African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf expressed deep concern over escalating conflict in southern Tigray and the Afar region.
  • Tigrayan forces seized the airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, detained federal employees, and suspended civilian flights in the region.
  • Youssouf urged an immediate cessation of actions that increase tensions and called on neighboring countries to refrain from worsening the situation.
  • U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga expressed disappointment over the TPLF leadership's decision to launch a large-scale offensive.
  • Massinga stated that rejecting the African Union's mediation efforts and engaging in an unwinnable war serves no public purpose.
  • The United States maintains the option to impose sanctions on leaders pushing Ethiopia toward a downward spiral while emphasizing political dialogue as the proper path.