The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Amb. Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday, November 3, issued a statement saying he is following with deep concern the escalation of military confrontation in Ethiopia and urged parties to the conflict to engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the country. Faki recalled his statement of November 9, 2020, and once again urged all parties to safeguard the territorial integrity, unity and national sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. “He further urges the parties to engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the country. In this regard, the Chairperson calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the full respect for the life and property of civilians, as well as state infrastructure,” reads part of the statement. “The Chairperson further call on the parties to urge their supporters against acts of reprisal against any community, and refrain from hate speech and incitement to violence and divisiveness.” He reminded the parties of their international obligations regarding compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, with particular regard to the protection of civilians and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance by communities in need. The Chairperson reiterated the AU’s continued commitment to work with the parties in support of a consensual political process. To this end, the Faki called on the parties to engage with the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo. In November 2020, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive in the northern Tigray region after an army base there, according to media reports, was taken over by forces loyal to the regional government of Tigray. Reports indicate that ever since then, the unresolved conflict and fighting has left hundreds dead, displaced more than two million people from their homes, and fueled famine, among others. There are also reports of escalating hostilities in other areas of Ethiopia.
