ADDIS ABABA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has expressed "deep concern" over the escalating tensions in northern Ethiopia.
The AU Commission chief, in a statement issued late Thursday regarding the situation in the East African country, said he is following with deep concern the escalating tensions between local communities in the contested areas of northern Ethiopia, including Raya Alamata, Zata and Ofla areas.
Faki called on both sides "to urgently halt hostilities and ensure the safety of civilians to end the renewed displacement of the local population."
The AU Commission chairperson's call followed recent armed clashes that occurred in Alamata town in northern Ethiopia. An undetermined number of casualties were reported, while many civilians reportedly fled toward neighboring towns.
On Monday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the number of people displaced by armed clashes from rural areas in northern Ethiopia has increased to more than 50,000 since April 13. It warned that the humanitarian situation in the affected area is dire, with thousands of women and children in need of broad humanitarian support to survive.
Faki further appealed for the respect and full implementation of the permanent cessation of hostilities agreement that was signed between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front back in November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Reiterating the continued commitment of the 55-member continental organization to accompany the government and people of Ethiopia in ensuring lasting peace, Faki called on the relevant departments of the AU Commission to undertake all appropriate measures in this regard. ■