Last updated on August 17, 2023
The African Union (AU) has issued a call to the Ethiopian government and a militia in the Amhara region to engage in dialogue in order to resolve the ongoing dispute that has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and injuries.
In a statement released on Wednesday, AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed his deep concern about the situation in Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of upholding the country’s constitutional order, territorial integrity, unity, and national sovereignty as crucial factors in ensuring stability not only within Ethiopia but also in the wider region.
“The chairperson strongly urges the parties to cease fighting immediately and prioritize the protection of civilians. He further emphasizes the need for dialogue as the pathway to a peaceful resolution,” the AU stated.
The continental body also asserted its readiness to support any inter-Ethiopian initiative aimed at fostering peace and stability.
These developments come in the wake of an airstrike in Finote Selam, Amhara region, on Sunday, which claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals.
The militia in Amhara has successfully taken control of several towns in the region, leading to concerns of a potential escalation of violence in northern Ethiopia.
Although the Ethiopian government recently stated that it had regained control of multiple Amhara towns that were previously under militia control, this assertion was short-lived.
The conflict between the militia and the federal government erupted following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s proposal to disarm armed groups in the Amhara region.
By Hauwa M.
