On Tuesday 24 November, the EU called for a ceasefire and respect for humanitarian law after becoming increasingly concerned about clashes between Ethiopian government forces and the TPLF dissident authorities in the Tigray region, as well as the risks of destabilisation throughout East Africa.
On the same day, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed his “great concern regarding increasing ethnic-targeted violence, numerous casualties and violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law” to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, whom he met in Brussels.
“The EU’s message is clear: we call on all parties to put in place the conditions that will facilitate unimpeded access to people in need, the end of hostilities, the non-interference of any external party, and the freedom of the media. Engagement with the High-Level Envoys appointed by the Chair of the African Union should open the door for a dialogue, which is the only way to avoid further destabilisation”, the High Representative said in a statement issued on Tuesday evening on behalf of the EU27.
He said: “On behalf of the EU, I have called for safe and free movement and protection of civilians, vulnerable groups and internally displaced persons”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)