The EU strongly condemned the deadly attacks on civilians in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) on the evening of Wednesday 23 June, describing as “extremely worrying” reports of the bombing of a market place in the village of Edaga Selus the previous day in a region on the brink of famine, where the “horrific series of International Humanitarian Law and human rights violations, atrocities, [and] ethnic violence” continues.
“The EU strongly condemns the deliberate targeting of civilians. This is not justifiable in any terms and goes against International Humanitarian Law. Those atrocities cannot be justified by using the preservation of the territorial integrity of Ethiopia as an argument”, EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said in a joint statement.
Adding, “If confirmed, the blocking of ambulances trying to provide medical assistance to the wounded after the bombardment is unacceptable. Such practice constitutes a grave violation of the Geneva Convention and of International Humanitarian Law.”
The High Representative and the Commissioner reiterate the urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. “It is time for the international community to wake up and take action”, they said. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)