The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, urging all parties to halt hostilities and prioritize the safety of civilians.
This comes after clashes displaced over 50,000 people in the contested area of Alamata Town, Raya Alamata, Zata, and Ofla.
The disputed territory is claimed by both the Tigray region and neighboring Amhara.
Tensions escalated after Amhara forces, who had occupied Raya Alamata during the two-year war between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray, failed to withdraw as stipulated in a November 2022 peace deal.
The Amhara regional administration accuses the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party in Tigray, of “invading” Raya Alamata.
The TPLF, in turn, blames “enemies of the peace deal” for trying to exploit existing tensions and derail the fragile peace process.
The international community has echoed the AU’s call for de-escalation and dialogue.
Embassies of several countries, including the US, Japan, Britain, and France, have urged all parties to prioritize civilian safety.
Independent verification of the situation on the ground remains difficult due to restricted media access in northern Ethiopia.
This lack of transparency further complicates efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Ethiopia, a nation with over 80 ethno-linguistic communities, has a history of grappling with identity-based conflicts and territorial disputes.
The recent clashes serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces in achieving lasting peace and stability.
