UNSC Calls for Ceasefire in Ethiopia
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As tensions rise in Ethiopia, the United Nations Security Council calls on the conflicting parties to reach a ceasefire agreement.
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Member of the Afar Special Forces stands in front of the debris of a house in the outskirts of the village of Bisober, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, on December 09, 2020 (Credit: AFP)
The United Nations Security Council called Friday for a ceasefire in Ethiopia, expressing its "deep concern" over the intensification of fighting in the north of the North African country.
"The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern about the expansion and intensification of military clashes in northern Ethiopia," the UN body said in a joint statement.
The fight has escalated in Ethiopia's north after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) announced it joined Oromo forces to fight government forces, threatening to advance toward Addis Ababa. The Oromos are Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, and this alliance was very significant for the TPLF.
"They further called to put an end to hostilities and to negotiate a lasting ceasefire and for the creation of conditions for the start of an inclusive Ethiopian national dialogue to resolve the crisis," the UNSC added.
Ethiopia declared a state of emergency after the TPLF marched on to Addis Ababa following claims that it had captured several towns near Addis Ababa.
The council's 15 member countries, which have been struggling to reach common grounds over the conflict in Ethiopia, released the statement following the TPLF's threats.
The council also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation and national stability, reaffirming their commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and unity of Ethiopia.
The council was meant to hold a public meeting on Friday but later postponed it to Monday.
