U.N Security council calls for a ceasefire in Ethiopia, expressing "deep concern" over the escalation of fighting in conflict hit country.

Ethiopian govt vows to fight on in existential war

Twitter Inc has temporarily disabled the Trends section in Africa's &nbsp;Ethiopia to ensure that the platform does not trigger violence in the conflict nation, the company said on Friday.

"We're monitoring the situation in Ethiopia and are focussed on protecting the safety of the conversation on Twitter," Twitter said.&nbsp;

It further added, "Inciting violence or dehumanising people is against our rules... Given the imminent threat of physical harm, we've also temporarily disabled Trends in Ethiopia."

The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin in order to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-army-calls-on-ex-servicemen-to-rejoin-to-fight-opposing-forces-427000">Also read |&nbsp;Ethiopian army calls on ex-servicemen to rejoin to fight opposing forces</a>

Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out.

The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

The federal army has appealed to former army personnel to rejoin setting the deadline of November 24.

In the past week, the government and local authorities have also told civilians in the capital to register their weapons and prepare to defend their neighbourhoods.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end."

The spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and the TPLF did not respond to requests for comment on Blinken's call. The government's communication department said in a statement "This is not a Country that Crumbles under Foreign Propaganda! We are fighting an existential war!"

(With inputs from agencies)

Twitter Inc has temporarily disabled the Trends section in Africa's Ethiopia to ensure that the platform does not trigger violence in the conflict nation, the company said on Friday.

Twitter Inc has temporarily disabled the Trends section in Africa's Ethiopia to ensure that the platform does not trigger violence in the conflict nation, the company said on Friday. "We're monitoring the situation in Ethiopia and are focussed on protecting the safety of the conversation on Twitter," Twitter said. It further added, "Inciting violence or dehumanising people is against our rules... Given the imminent threat of physical harm, we've also temporarily disabled Trends in Ethiopia." The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin in order to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa. Also read | Ethiopian army calls on ex-servicemen to rejoin to fight opposing forces Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out. The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. The federal army has appealed to former army personnel to rejoin setting the deadline of November 24. In the past week, the government and local authorities have also told civilians in the capital to register their weapons and prepare to defend their neighbourhoods. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and the TPLF did not respond to requests for comment on Blinken's call. The government's communication department said in a statement "This is not a Country that Crumbles under Foreign Propaganda! We are fighting an existential war!" (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence

Ethiopia's government has dismissed international calls for a ceasefire and has instead vowed to fight on. The government's communication office has put out an aggressive statement saying that it is not a country that crumbles under foreign propaganda.

Ethiopian government vows to fight rebels; EU calls for immediate, meaningful ceasefire

Situation in Ethiopia is heating up as state media said on Friday that Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin in order to fight Tigrayan forces advancing towards country's capital Addis Ababa. Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out.

The anti-government alliance is called United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces and it includes forces of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) which has been fighting against Ethiopia's federal forces. The 1-yearl-old conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

The federal army has appealed to former army personnel to rejoin setting the deadline of November 24.

In the past week, the government and local authorities have also told civilians in the capital to register their weapons and prepare to defend their neighburhoods.

African and Western nations have called for an immediate ceasefire

"We are considering establishing a transitional arrangement and we have agreed that the regime in power at this time must go as soon as possible," TPLF's Yohanees Abraha was quoted by Reuters as saying.

The nascent alliance was not in touch with Abiy's government but planned to begin liaising with foreign governments and bodies, he said.

Abiy's spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, asked for reaction to the formation of the alliance, referred Reuters to a comment she posted on Twitter in which she defended Abiy's rule since he took office in 2018.

She said in the post the opening of political space after Abiy took office provided ample opportunity for the opposition to settle differences at the ballot box. Abiy's party was re-elected in June. She did not refer directly to the new alliance.

Attorney General Gedion Temothewos called the alliance "a publicity stunt" and said some of the groups had a track record of "ethnic cleansing2.

TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda also did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

CEASEFIRE CALLS

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called for a ceasfire, saying: "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end."

The spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and the TPLF did not respond to requests for comment on Blinken's call. On Thursday, the government's communication department said in a statement: "This is not a Country that Crumbles under Foreign Propaganda! We are fighting an existential war!"

(With inputs from agencies)

Situation in Ethiopia is heating up as state media said on Friday that Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin in order to fight Tigrayan forces advancing towards country's capital Addis Ababa.

Situation in Ethiopia is heating up as state media said on Friday that Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin in order to fight Tigrayan forces advancing towards country's capital Addis Ababa. Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out. The anti-government alliance is called United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces and it includes forces of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) which has been fighting against Ethiopia's federal forces. The 1-yearl-old conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. The federal army has appealed to former army personnel to rejoin setting the deadline of November 24. In the past week, the government and local authorities have also told civilians in the capital to register their weapons and prepare to defend their neighburhoods. African and Western nations have called for an immediate ceasefire "We are considering establishing a transitional arrangement and we have agreed that the regime in power at this time must go as soon as possible," TPLF's Yohanees Abraha was quoted by Reuters as saying. The nascent alliance was not in touch with Abiy's government but planned to begin liaising with foreign governments and bodies, he said. Abiy's spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, asked for reaction to the formation of the alliance, referred Reuters to a comment she posted on Twitter in which she defended Abiy's rule since he took office in 2018. She said in the post the opening of political space after Abiy took office provided ample opportunity for the opposition to settle differences at the ballot box. Abiy's party was re-elected in June. She did not refer directly to the new alliance. Attorney General Gedion Temothewos called the alliance "a publicity stunt" and said some of the groups had a track record of "ethnic cleansing2. TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda also did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. CEASEFIRE CALLS U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called for a ceasfire, saying: "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and the TPLF did not respond to requests for comment on Blinken's call. On Thursday, the government's communication department said in a statement: "This is not a Country that Crumbles under Foreign Propaganda! We are fighting an existential war!" (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian army calls on ex-servicemen to rejoin to fight opposing forces

Residents of Addis Ababa have been ordered to defend their neighborhoods, this comes amid fears that rebels were heading for the capital, the measure comes after several days of reported advances of the rebel group.

Ethiopia heads towards civil war, Tigray forces advance further south

Residents of Addis Ababa have been ordered to defend their neighbourhoods, this comes amid fears that rebels were heading for the capital, the measure comes after several days of reported advances of the rebel group.

Ethiopia: Addis Ababa residents asked to prepare to defend their rights

As the political crisis intensifies in Ethiopia, the United States government has suspended an important trade deal with the country. The suspension comes amid escalating sexual violence by soldiers in Tigray. Who will be affected by this decision? WION tells you.

Ethiopia's textile industry to suffer if US suspends trade deal over Tigray war

A state of Emergency has been declared in Ethiopia, as rebel forces march towards the capital. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has promised to 'bury the enemy'. The rebels say their forces are 'unstoppable'. Why is Ethiopia at war with itself? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Why is Ethiopia at war with itself?

The Ethiopian federal government declared a nationwide state of emergency Tuesday, as fighters from the northern region of Tigray threatened to march towards the Capital.

Ethiopia declares state of emergency as TLPF rebels gain ground

Ethiopia faces nationwide emergency; authorities order strict measures like curfew, road closure

All sides fighting in the war in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray committed violations that may amount to war crimes, according to a joint investigation by the United Nations and Ethiopia published on Wednesday.

The report accuses all sides of torturing and killing civilians, carrying out gang-rapes and making arrests on the basis of ethnicity.

It was released the day after Ethiopia declared a state of emergency. Tigrayan forces said on Monday they might march on the capital to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

The investigation was carried out by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

It covers from November to June during the year-long conflict fought by Tigrayan forces against the Ethiopian military and its allies - forces from the Amhara region and soldiers from the neighbouring country of Eritrea.

"All parties to the Tigray conflict have committed violations of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. Some of these may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," said Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Bachelet said most violations in the period covered by the report were committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, but since then, they had seen an increase in reports by Tigrayan forces as well as continuing abuses by the Ethiopians and Eritreans.

Eritrean forces - either individually or collectively - had "huge responsibility" for many violations, she said.

The report draws on 269 interviews, many containing graphic details of rapes and mutilations by Eritrean soldiers on military bases.

Prime Minister Abiy said he accepted the report despite some "serious reservations" and said it did not accuse the government of genocide or using food as a weapon. He said a civil-military taskforce would be established to investigate all the allegations in the report. Ethiopia has said individual soldiers are on trial for rape and killing.

Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Meskel, who spent months denying Eritrean troops were in Tigray, called the report "fallacious ... utterly false" in a tweet.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) spokesperson Getachew Reda said the report "did not cover all the heinous crime spots" and accused Ethiopian investigators of bias.

Amhara regional spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh was unreachable but has previously denied abuses.

The report said Eritrean soldiers had killed around 100 civilians in the city of Axum, that Ethiopian soldiers had dragged about 70 men from their homes and killed them in three villages in southern Tigray, and that Tigrayan forces had killed around 200 Amhara civilians in the town of Mai Kadra, a crime followed by revenge killings of Tigrayans by Amhara.

Investigators said they did not travel to Sudan, where most Tigrayan victims of Mai Kadra fled, due to time constraints. The report noted around 600,000 Tigrayans fled Western Tigray after it fell under Amhara control.

Reuters and other news organisations, rights groups, and civil society groups have documented many more mass killings of civilians that were not mentioned in the report.

It was not clear whether the report's findings could form the basis for legal action. Ethiopia and Eritrea are not members of the International Criminal Court, so it has no jurisdiction.

YEAR OF CONFLICT

The report also accused Eritrean soldiers of forcing Eritrean refugees living in Tigray to return, in violation of international law.

The report accused all sides of blocking aid at different times and said it could not verify whether starvation was used as a weapon of war, as had been previously alleged by the United Nations aid chief. The United Nations has previously said the government operated a "de facto blockade" of food aid. The government denies this.

The report mentioned investigators were often hindered in their work, particularly areas controlled by Amhara forces, or unable to visit certain areas due to insecurity. It did not mention that Ethiopia deported a U.N. investigator working on the report in September.

The report said the Tigrayan leadership was reluctant to engage due to the presence of investigators from the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

The war began a year ago after regional forces and Tigrayan soldiers in the national army seized control of military bases across Tigray. They said the central government was about to move against Tigray after the region held its own elections despite a government directive delaying them.

The conflict has left about 400,000 people in Tigray facing famine, killed thousands of civilians and forced more than 2.5 million people in northern Ethiopia to flee their homes.

All sides fighting in the war in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray committed violations that may amount to war crimes, according to a joint investigation by the United Nations and Ethiopia published on Wednesday.

All sides fighting in the war in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray committed violations that may amount to war crimes, according to a joint investigation by the United Nations and Ethiopia published on Wednesday. The report accuses all sides of torturing and killing civilians, carrying out gang-rapes and making arrests on the basis of ethnicity. It was released the day after Ethiopia declared a state of emergency. Tigrayan forces said on Monday they might march on the capital to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. The investigation was carried out by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. It covers from November to June during the year-long conflict fought by Tigrayan forces against the Ethiopian military and its allies - forces from the Amhara region and soldiers from the neighbouring country of Eritrea. "All parties to the Tigray conflict have committed violations of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. Some of these may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity," said Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Bachelet said most violations in the period covered by the report were committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, but since then, they had seen an increase in reports by Tigrayan forces as well as continuing abuses by the Ethiopians and Eritreans. Eritrean forces - either individually or collectively - had "huge responsibility" for many violations, she said. The report draws on 269 interviews, many containing graphic details of rapes and mutilations by Eritrean soldiers on military bases. Prime Minister Abiy said he accepted the report despite some "serious reservations" and said it did not accuse the government of genocide or using food as a weapon. He said a civil-military taskforce would be established to investigate all the allegations in the report. Ethiopia has said individual soldiers are on trial for rape and killing. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Meskel, who spent months denying Eritrean troops were in Tigray, called the report "fallacious ... utterly false" in a tweet. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) spokesperson Getachew Reda said the report "did not cover all the heinous crime spots" and accused Ethiopian investigators of bias. Amhara regional spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh was unreachable but has previously denied abuses. The report said Eritrean soldiers had killed around 100 civilians in the city of Axum, that Ethiopian soldiers had dragged about 70 men from their homes and killed them in three villages in southern Tigray, and that Tigrayan forces had killed around 200 Amhara civilians in the town of Mai Kadra, a crime followed by revenge killings of Tigrayans by Amhara. Investigators said they did not travel to Sudan, where most Tigrayan victims of Mai Kadra fled, due to time constraints. The report noted around 600,000 Tigrayans fled Western Tigray after it fell under Amhara control. Reuters and other news organisations, rights groups, and civil society groups have documented many more mass killings of civilians that were not mentioned in the report. It was not clear whether the report's findings could form the basis for legal action. Ethiopia and Eritrea are not members of the International Criminal Court, so it has no jurisdiction. YEAR OF CONFLICT The report also accused Eritrean soldiers of forcing Eritrean refugees living in Tigray to return, in violation of international law. The report accused all sides of blocking aid at different times and said it could not verify whether starvation was used as a weapon of war, as had been previously alleged by the United Nations aid chief. The United Nations has previously said the government operated a "de facto blockade" of food aid. The government denies this. The report mentioned investigators were often hindered in their work, particularly areas controlled by Amhara forces, or unable to visit certain areas due to insecurity. It did not mention that Ethiopia deported a U.N. investigator working on the report in September. The report said the Tigrayan leadership was reluctant to engage due to the presence of investigators from the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. The war began a year ago after regional forces and Tigrayan soldiers in the national army seized control of military bases across Tigray. They said the central government was about to move against Tigray after the region held its own elections despite a government directive delaying them. The conflict has left about 400,000 people in Tigray facing famine, killed thousands of civilians and forced more than 2.5 million people in northern Ethiopia to flee their homes.

Joint UN, Ethiopia rights team: all sides committed abuses in Tigray

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria.

In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it."

He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: 
 
- claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis 
 
- allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit <a href="https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3">https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3</a>
— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMEthiopia/status/1455830782107324416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-declares-nationwide-emergency-as-insurgents-threaten-the-capital-426337">Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital</a>

A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tigray People's Liberation Front members." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abc8a814-508f-4145-a055-84dd4118c301" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_179.jpg" />

The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortages-block-food-aid-in-famine-threatened-tigray-un-423100">Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN</a>

On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it." He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together." Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: - claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis - allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3 — Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) November 3, 2021 × He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's rebel alliance 'set to destroy' the country: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Ethiopia’s government has declared a national state of emergency as rival Tigray forces threaten to move on the capital and the country’s year-long civil war escalates.

Ethiopia faces nationwide emergency as TLPF rebels make way toward capital

Tigrayan rebels on Sunday announced they have captured a strategic northern Ethiopian town, but the government has denied the claims.

Ethiopia-Tigray Conflict: Rebels claim capture of strategic locations in Ethiopian towns

Trucks full of captured Ethiopian government soldiers and allied militias rolled down the streets in Ethiopia's Tigray region in a show of force by local defence forces as the region's capital was hit by a fourth day of air strikes.

Captured Ethiopian government soldiers roll down the streets in Tigray

The Ethiopian government carried out a second air strike within hours on the Tigray region on Wednesday, injuring at least 14 people

Ethiopia conducts two air strikes on Tigray within hours, 14 injured

Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said.

Some 14 fuel trucks are stranded in Afar region, home to the only viable land route into Tigray, despite having been granted permission to proceed, the UN's humanitarian coordination office said in a report released late Thursday.

"Due to the severe shortages of fuel, several humanitarian partners were forced to significantly reduce or suspend their activities," it in a weekly situation report for the year-long conflict in northern Ethiopia.

"Since 11 October, out of the seven main active food partners, for instance, at least three have already [been] forced to cease food distribution. The other four will also have to cease distribution outside of Mekele within one week if fuel is not received."

Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory.

But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including its capital Mekele.

Since then Tigray has been under what the UN describes as a de facto humanitarian blockade. 
Despite a communications blackout, AFP has documented starvation deaths in multiple parts of the region, citing internal documents from aid groups active there.

The UN said last week the number of young children hospitalised due to severe malnutrition between February and August was double the number recorded during the same period last year.

Some 2.5 percent of screened children were diagnosed with severe malnutrition during the past week, the UN said Thursday, up from 2.3 percent the week before.

Thursday's report also noted that during the week ending October 13, only 52,000 people in Tigray received food assistance, or one percent of the 5.2 million that aid groups are targeting.

"To reach 5.2 million people with food assistance within a six-week cycle, partners are expected to assist at least 870,000 people on average per week," the report said.

With the TPLF in control of most of Tigray, fighting has recently been concentrated to the south in Amhara region.

But this week Ethiopia's government launched at least four air strikes in Mekele, killing three children and injuring other civilians, according to the UN.

The government says the campaign is targeting rebel facilities.

Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said.

Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said. Some 14 fuel trucks are stranded in Afar region, home to the only viable land route into Tigray, despite having been granted permission to proceed, the UN's humanitarian coordination office said in a report released late Thursday. "Due to the severe shortages of fuel, several humanitarian partners were forced to significantly reduce or suspend their activities," it in a weekly situation report for the year-long conflict in northern Ethiopia. "Since 11 October, out of the seven main active food partners, for instance, at least three have already [been] forced to cease food distribution. The other four will also have to cease distribution outside of Mekele within one week if fuel is not received." Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory. But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including its capital Mekele. Since then Tigray has been under what the UN describes as a de facto humanitarian blockade. Despite a communications blackout, AFP has documented starvation deaths in multiple parts of the region, citing internal documents from aid groups active there. The UN said last week the number of young children hospitalised due to severe malnutrition between February and August was double the number recorded during the same period last year. Some 2.5 percent of screened children were diagnosed with severe malnutrition during the past week, the UN said Thursday, up from 2.3 percent the week before. Thursday's report also noted that during the week ending October 13, only 52,000 people in Tigray received food assistance, or one percent of the 5.2 million that aid groups are targeting. "To reach 5.2 million people with food assistance within a six-week cycle, partners are expected to assist at least 870,000 people on average per week," the report said. With the TPLF in control of most of Tigray, fighting has recently been concentrated to the south in Amhara region. But this week Ethiopia's government launched at least four air strikes in Mekele, killing three children and injuring other civilians, according to the UN. The government says the campaign is targeting rebel facilities.

Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN

Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region.

The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party.

The government said it bombed weapons caches in the regional capital Mekele and the town of Agbe which lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the west.&nbsp;

"It targeted at the facilities that TPLF have turned into arms construction and repair armaments sites," government spokesman Legesse Tulu told AFP by text message of the Mekele strike.

Dr Hayelom Kebede, research director at Mekele's Ayder Referral Hospital, said eight people had been wounded, including a pregnant woman.

"It was heavy and the jet was so close," one local resident told AFP, with witnesses reporting thick clouds of smoke rising up over the city.

The UN has voiced increasing alarm about the latest violence in northern Ethiopia, where millions need emergency aid.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said initial information indicated that some civilians including women and children were injured in Mekele.

"We have made clear what our concerns are about the impact of these operations on civilians and the need to avoid any offensive activities that can target civilians or civilian infrastructures," he told reporters.

The conflict has killed untold numbers of people and the United Nations says two million have been displaced and hundreds of thousands plunged into famine-like conditions.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, barely two weeks into its new term, seems to be waging a new offensive against the TPLF, which dominated national politics for almost three decades before he took power in 2018.

William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Ethiopia, said the strikes "appear to be part of efforts to weaken Tigray’s armed resistance," as the TPLF makes gains in the neighbouring Amhara region.

"Along with superior manpower, control of the skies is one of the few remaining areas of military advantage for the federal government."&nbsp;

- 'Surgical operations' -

TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said Wednesday's raid on Mekele hit a residential area "causing injury to civilians and harm to property".

"Abiy's reaction to his losses in the ongoing fighting is to target civilians hundreds of kms away from the battlefield," he said on Twitter.

Much of northern Ethiopia is under a communications blackout and access for journalists is restricted, making claims difficult to independently verify.

Tigray remains under a de facto blockade, with the warring parties each accusing the other of hampering the delivery of desperately needed aid.

Legesse, the government spokesman, accused the TPLF of using ordinary people as human shields. 
"We confirm and assure these surgical operations have not any intended harm to civilians," he said.

On Monday, there were two aerial assaults on Mekele, the city held by the TPLF since it was recaptured from government forces in June.

Legesse had initially denied those raids but state media later confirmed the air force had hit TPLF media and communications infrastructure.

The United Nations said Monday's attacks had killed three children and wounded nine people.

- 'Strengthening Tigrayan resolve' -

"The bombing of urban areas... reinforces the impression that Addis Ababa is willing to risk civilian lives in Tigray as part of its military efforts, something also demonstrated by the continued federal constraints on aid flows and refusal to provide electricity, banking, and telecommunications services to the region," the ICG's Davison said.&nbsp;

"As such, the air raids may have the effect of strengthening the Tigrayan resolve to resist, rather than weaken it."

Fighting first erupted in Africa's second most populous country last November when Abiy sent troops to Tigray to topple the TPLF after months of rising tensions.

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and promised a swift victory, with troops from neighbouring Eritrea providing support.

But in a dramatic turnaround, by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including Mekele.

Since then, the rebels have pushed south from Tigray into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar.&nbsp; 
The UN says up to seven million people in the three regions are now in need of food assistance and other emergency support.

The conflict has seen relations between Ethiopia and the West deteriorate, with its crucial ally Washington calling for sanctions if the warring parties do not commit to a negotiated settlement.

Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region. The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party.

Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region. The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party. The government said it bombed weapons caches in the regional capital Mekele and the town of Agbe which lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the west. "It targeted at the facilities that TPLF have turned into arms construction and repair armaments sites," government spokesman Legesse Tulu told AFP by text message of the Mekele strike. Dr Hayelom Kebede, research director at Mekele's Ayder Referral Hospital, said eight people had been wounded, including a pregnant woman. "It was heavy and the jet was so close," one local resident told AFP, with witnesses reporting thick clouds of smoke rising up over the city. The UN has voiced increasing alarm about the latest violence in northern Ethiopia, where millions need emergency aid. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said initial information indicated that some civilians including women and children were injured in Mekele. "We have made clear what our concerns are about the impact of these operations on civilians and the need to avoid any offensive activities that can target civilians or civilian infrastructures," he told reporters. The conflict has killed untold numbers of people and the United Nations says two million have been displaced and hundreds of thousands plunged into famine-like conditions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, barely two weeks into its new term, seems to be waging a new offensive against the TPLF, which dominated national politics for almost three decades before he took power in 2018. William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Ethiopia, said the strikes "appear to be part of efforts to weaken Tigray’s armed resistance," as the TPLF makes gains in the neighbouring Amhara region. "Along with superior manpower, control of the skies is one of the few remaining areas of military advantage for the federal government." - 'Surgical operations' - TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said Wednesday's raid on Mekele hit a residential area "causing injury to civilians and harm to property". "Abiy's reaction to his losses in the ongoing fighting is to target civilians hundreds of kms away from the battlefield," he said on Twitter. Much of northern Ethiopia is under a communications blackout and access for journalists is restricted, making claims difficult to independently verify. Tigray remains under a de facto blockade, with the warring parties each accusing the other of hampering the delivery of desperately needed aid. Legesse, the government spokesman, accused the TPLF of using ordinary people as human shields. "We confirm and assure these surgical operations have not any intended harm to civilians," he said. On Monday, there were two aerial assaults on Mekele, the city held by the TPLF since it was recaptured from government forces in June. Legesse had initially denied those raids but state media later confirmed the air force had hit TPLF media and communications infrastructure. The United Nations said Monday's attacks had killed three children and wounded nine people. - 'Strengthening Tigrayan resolve' - "The bombing of urban areas... reinforces the impression that Addis Ababa is willing to risk civilian lives in Tigray as part of its military efforts, something also demonstrated by the continued federal constraints on aid flows and refusal to provide electricity, banking, and telecommunications services to the region," the ICG's Davison said. "As such, the air raids may have the effect of strengthening the Tigrayan resolve to resist, rather than weaken it." Fighting first erupted in Africa's second most populous country last November when Abiy sent troops to Tigray to topple the TPLF after months of rising tensions. The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and promised a swift victory, with troops from neighbouring Eritrea providing support. But in a dramatic turnaround, by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including Mekele. Since then, the rebels have pushed south from Tigray into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar. The UN says up to seven million people in the three regions are now in need of food assistance and other emergency support. The conflict has seen relations between Ethiopia and the West deteriorate, with its crucial ally Washington calling for sanctions if the warring parties do not commit to a negotiated settlement.

Ethiopia launches new air strikes in Tigray

Ethiopian forces hit the Tigrayan capital of Mekele with airstrikes on Monday, humanitarian officials and diplomats told AFP, in a new phase of the nearly year-long war in the country's north.

"Airstrike now in Mekele," one humanitarian official in the city said via SMS to AFP on condition of anonymity, describing attacks also confirmed by a second humanitarian source, two diplomats and a rebel spokesman.

Tigray&nbsp;erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory.

But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including the regional capital Mekele.

Since then the region has been under a de facto humanitarian blockade, according to the UN, which estimates that hundreds of thousands face famine-like conditions.

The US has largely blamed Ethiopian government policies for the blockade, while the government has blamed TPLF incursions into neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar.

The UN had said earlier that the number of young children admitted to hospital suffering from severe malnutrition in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region has doubled this year over 2020 as escalating fighting threatens to further hamper the aid response.

Ethiopian forces hit the Tigrayan capital of Mekele with airstrikes on Monday, humanitarian officials and diplomats told AFP, in a new phase of the nearly year-long war in the country's north.

Ethiopian forces hit the Tigrayan capital of Mekele with airstrikes on Monday, humanitarian officials and diplomats told AFP, in a new phase of the nearly year-long war in the country's north. "Airstrike now in Mekele," one humanitarian official in the city said via SMS to AFP on condition of anonymity, describing attacks also confirmed by a second humanitarian source, two diplomats and a rebel spokesman. Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory. But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including the regional capital Mekele. Since then the region has been under a de facto humanitarian blockade, according to the UN, which estimates that hundreds of thousands face famine-like conditions. The US has largely blamed Ethiopian government policies for the blockade, while the government has blamed TPLF incursions into neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar. The UN had said earlier that the number of young children admitted to hospital suffering from severe malnutrition in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region has doubled this year over 2020 as escalating fighting threatens to further hamper the aid response.

Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis

Nobel laureate Abiy Ahmed is getting isolated both at home and abroad. His citizens accuse him of launching a needless war. The united nations is criticizing him for the unprecedented expulsion of its staff. Now more damaging revelations have come out. Allegedly the Ethiopian government used civilian aircraft to transport weapons for the war. Our next report tells you more.

Nobel laureate Abiy Ahmed gets isolated both at home and abroad

Ethiopia has expelled 7 UN officials for 'meddling' in its internal affairs. The expulsion could hamper Humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region, but it also dents UN's credibility & effectiveness in solving armed conflicts. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Ethiopia expels 7 United Nations officials

The White House on Thursday condemned "in the strongest possible terms" Ethiopia's decision to expel senior UN officials at a time of looming humanitarian crisis and warned of sanctions.

US condemns Ethiopia's expulsion of UN staff

Bodies of rebel fighters dot the roads and fields leading to Chenna, a village in the mountains of northern Ethiopia that this month saw one of the most gruesome reported incidents in the country's 10-month-old war.

Last week, the government accused the rebels, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), of massacring as many as 200 civilians in Chenna, including women and children. Medics put the death toll at 125 but told AFP it could climb.

The TPLF rejected the allegations&nbsp;while accusing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of sending "priests, women and children" into battle as cannon fodder.

Chenna is located in Ethiopia's Amhara region which lies south of Tigray, where fighting broke out last November between pro-government forces and the TPLF.

Despite Abiy vowing a swift victory, fighting has spread in recent months into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and killing an untold number of civilians.

The violence in Chenna unfolded in early September, and the village -&nbsp;a rambling collection of mud homes -&nbsp;is now mostly empty, its residents driven away by the stench of death.

“We haven't buried all the people. We have been burying our people who have been massacred. We were doing that for four days straight," Amhara militia fighter Yalew Kasse told AFP on Tuesday.

Stones and leaves have been placed over a freshly dug mass grave outside the village's Orthodox Christian church, and militia fighters said the graves of still more civilians could be found elsewhere, sometimes right outside their homes.

"They annihilated one whole family: a mother, a father, a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl," Yalew said.

Mebratu Adane, a spokesman for a local militia, said most of the bodies that have not been buried were those of TPLF rebels.

"The villagers couldn't stand the smell of the bodies so they fled," he said.&nbsp;

AFP has not been able to independently confirm the number of victims or verify whether any of the civilians reportedly killed in Chenna might have been combatants.

The fighting in Amhara has amplified global concern about the war in northern Ethiopia, which has killed many thousands of people and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions, according to the United Nations.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned Monday that the widening war "risks spilling over to the whole Horn of Africa".

"Even with the changing dynamics in the conflict, there has been one constant: multiple and severe reports of alleged gross violations of human rights, humanitarian and refugee law by all parties," she said.

Outside efforts to broker talks have made no visible headway, meaning more intense fighting is likely in the offing.

In Dabat, a town southeast of Chenna, Ethiopian soldiers conducted weapons and fitness drills on Tuesday while preparing to push farther north.

"We'll beat the junta," the soldiers sang as they marched through the streets of Dabat once the drills were over, using a pejorative term to refer to the TPLF.

“We are planning to go to the north and destroy the junta, and we are well prepared," said Colonel Eshetu, who gave only his first name.

"We have been training for more than three weeks," he said. "Our soldiers are more than capable of destroying the Tigray rebel force."

Bodies of rebel fighters dot the roads and fields leading to Chenna, a village in the mountains of northern Ethiopia that this month saw one of the most gruesome reported incidents in the country's 10-month-old war.

Bodies of rebel fighters dot the roads and fields leading to Chenna, a village in the mountains of northern Ethiopia that this month saw one of the most gruesome reported incidents in the country's 10-month-old war. Last week, the government accused the rebels, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), of massacring as many as 200 civilians in Chenna, including women and children. Medics put the death toll at 125 but told AFP it could climb. The TPLF rejected the allegations while accusing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of sending "priests, women and children" into battle as cannon fodder. Chenna is located in Ethiopia's Amhara region which lies south of Tigray, where fighting broke out last November between pro-government forces and the TPLF. Despite Abiy vowing a swift victory, fighting has spread in recent months into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and killing an untold number of civilians. The violence in Chenna unfolded in early September, and the village - a rambling collection of mud homes - is now mostly empty, its residents driven away by the stench of death. “We haven't buried all the people. We have been burying our people who have been massacred. We were doing that for four days straight," Amhara militia fighter Yalew Kasse told AFP on Tuesday. Stones and leaves have been placed over a freshly dug mass grave outside the village's Orthodox Christian church, and militia fighters said the graves of still more civilians could be found elsewhere, sometimes right outside their homes. "They annihilated one whole family: a mother, a father, a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl," Yalew said. Mebratu Adane, a spokesman for a local militia, said most of the bodies that have not been buried were those of TPLF rebels. "The villagers couldn't stand the smell of the bodies so they fled," he said. AFP has not been able to independently confirm the number of victims or verify whether any of the civilians reportedly killed in Chenna might have been combatants. The fighting in Amhara has amplified global concern about the war in northern Ethiopia, which has killed many thousands of people and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions, according to the United Nations. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned Monday that the widening war "risks spilling over to the whole Horn of Africa". "Even with the changing dynamics in the conflict, there has been one constant: multiple and severe reports of alleged gross violations of human rights, humanitarian and refugee law by all parties," she said. Outside efforts to broker talks have made no visible headway, meaning more intense fighting is likely in the offing. In Dabat, a town southeast of Chenna, Ethiopian soldiers conducted weapons and fitness drills on Tuesday while preparing to push farther north. "We'll beat the junta," the soldiers sang as they marched through the streets of Dabat once the drills were over, using a pejorative term to refer to the TPLF. “We are planning to go to the north and destroy the junta, and we are well prepared," said Colonel Eshetu, who gave only his first name. "We have been training for more than three weeks," he said. "Our soldiers are more than capable of destroying the Tigray rebel force."

Ethiopian villagers flee amid stench of dead bodies

Ethiopia's Derara Hurisa won the Vienna City marathon on Sunday but was disqualified soon after when the soles of his shoes were found to be one centimetre too thick and in violation of the rules.

Hurisa crossed the line with a time of 2:09:22 but less than 45 minutes later, he was left distraught when his time was struck off as his shoes' soles were five centimetres thick.

The soles of road running shoes cannot be thicker than four centimetres and Hurisa had worn a different set of shoes to the ones he had mentioned on his form.

"We also stressed in the technical meeting the rules about the shoes. Unfortunately, we had no other choice than disqualifying the athlete," race co-ordinator Hannes Langer said.

"It's the first time something like this has happened. I'm pretty sure that from now on there will be some form of checks to avoid something like this to happen again in a major race."

Kenya's Leonard Langat, who finished three seconds behind Hurisa, was declared the winner as a result.

"Of course I would have preferred to have broken the tape," Langat said.

"I had no clue about the disqualification until they told me. It was of course my aim to win and I thank God that in the end I did."

Ethiopia's Derara Hurisa won the Vienna City marathon on Sunday but was disqualified soon after when the soles of his shoes were found to be one centimetre too thick and in violation of the rules.

Ethiopia's Derara Hurisa won the Vienna City marathon on Sunday but was disqualified soon after when the soles of his shoes were found to be one centimetre too thick and in violation of the rules. Hurisa crossed the line with a time of 2:09:22 but less than 45 minutes later, he was left distraught when his time was struck off as his shoes' soles were five centimetres thick. The soles of road running shoes cannot be thicker than four centimetres and Hurisa had worn a different set of shoes to the ones he had mentioned on his form. "We also stressed in the technical meeting the rules about the shoes. Unfortunately, we had no other choice than disqualifying the athlete," race co-ordinator Hannes Langer said. "It's the first time something like this has happened. I'm pretty sure that from now on there will be some form of checks to avoid something like this to happen again in a major race." Kenya's Leonard Langat, who finished three seconds behind Hurisa, was declared the winner as a result. "Of course I would have preferred to have broken the tape," Langat said. "I had no clue about the disqualification until they told me. It was of course my aim to win and I thank God that in the end I did."

Vienna marathon winner disqualified after shoes' soles violate rules

Rebellious forces from the Tigray region killed 120 civilians over two days in a village in Ethiopia`s Amhara region, local officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

The killings in a village 10 kilometres from the town of Dabat took place on September&nbsp;1 and 2, said Sewnet Wubalem, the local administrator in Dabat, and Chalachew Dagnew, spokesperson of the nearby city of Gondar.

A spokesperson for Tigrayan forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what is the first report of Tigrayan forces killing a large number of civilians since seizing territory in&nbsp; Amhara. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in the region as Tigrayan forces have advanced.

"So far we have recovered 120 bodies. They were all innocent farmers. But we think the number might be higher. There are people who are missing," Sewnet, the local administrator, told Reuters by phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-appreciates-indias-stance-on-tigray-conflict-at-unsc-404485">Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray conflict at UNSC</a>

Chalachew, the Gondar city spokesperson, said he had visited the burial area in the village and that children, women and elderly were among the dead.

He said the killings were during the Tigrayan forces` "short presence" in the area, and it was now under the control of the Ethiopian federal army.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the accounts.

Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigrayan forces, has previously denied to Reuters that the forces have committed crimes against civilians while seizing territory in Amhara over the past month.

Humanitarian Crisis&nbsp;

War broke out 10 months ago between Ethiopia's federal troops and forces loyal to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the Tigray region.

Since then, thousands have been killed and more than 2 million have fled their homes. Fighting spread in July from the Tigray region into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, also in the country`s north.

Amid the conflict, relations between the ethnic Amharas and Tigrayans have deteriorated sharply.

During the war, regional forces and militiamen from the Amhara region have sought to settle a decades-old land dispute between the Amhara and Tigray regions.

Amhara forces have seized control of western parts of Tigray and driven tens of thousands of Tigrayans from their homes. Though the Tigrayan forces have seized back most of the Tigray region, they have not taken back the heavily militarized and contested area of western Tigray.

The U.S. government`s humanitarian agency said last week Tigrayan forces had in recent weeks looted its warehouses in parts of Amhara.

Responding on Twitter to the agency`s statement on looting, Getachew Reda, the Tigrayan forces` spokesperson, wrote: "While we cannot vouch for every unacceptable behaviour of off-grid fighters in such matters, we have evidence that such looting is mainly orchestrated by local individuals &amp; groups."

The U.N. has said a de facto aid blockade on the Tigray region, where some 400,000 people are already in famine conditions, has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The Ethiopian government has repeatedly denied allegations by the U.N. and Western governments that it is deliberately impeding the delivery of lifesaving assistance. On Sunday, a U.N. convoy of trucks bearing food and other aid was permitted to enter Tigray for the first time since Aug. 20.

Rebellious forces from the Tigray region killed 120 civilians over two days in a village in Ethiopia`s Amhara region, local officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The killings in a village 10 kilometres from the town of Dabat took place on September 1 and 2, said Sewnet Wubalem, the local administrator in Dabat, and Chalachew Dagnew, spokesperson of the nearby city of Gondar.

Rebellious forces from the Tigray region killed 120 civilians over two days in a village in Ethiopia`s Amhara region, local officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The killings in a village 10 kilometres from the town of Dabat took place on September 1 and 2, said Sewnet Wubalem, the local administrator in Dabat, and Chalachew Dagnew, spokesperson of the nearby city of Gondar. A spokesperson for Tigrayan forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what is the first report of Tigrayan forces killing a large number of civilians since seizing territory in Amhara. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in the region as Tigrayan forces have advanced. "So far we have recovered 120 bodies. They were all innocent farmers. But we think the number might be higher. There are people who are missing," Sewnet, the local administrator, told Reuters by phone. Also read | Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray conflict at UNSC Chalachew, the Gondar city spokesperson, said he had visited the burial area in the village and that children, women and elderly were among the dead. He said the killings were during the Tigrayan forces` "short presence" in the area, and it was now under the control of the Ethiopian federal army. Reuters was unable to independently verify the accounts. Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigrayan forces, has previously denied to Reuters that the forces have committed crimes against civilians while seizing territory in Amhara over the past month. Humanitarian Crisis War broke out 10 months ago between Ethiopia's federal troops and forces loyal to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the Tigray region. Since then, thousands have been killed and more than 2 million have fled their homes. Fighting spread in July from the Tigray region into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, also in the country`s north. Amid the conflict, relations between the ethnic Amharas and Tigrayans have deteriorated sharply. During the war, regional forces and militiamen from the Amhara region have sought to settle a decades-old land dispute between the Amhara and Tigray regions. Amhara forces have seized control of western parts of Tigray and driven tens of thousands of Tigrayans from their homes. Though the Tigrayan forces have seized back most of the Tigray region, they have not taken back the heavily militarized and contested area of western Tigray. The U.S. government`s humanitarian agency said last week Tigrayan forces had in recent weeks looted its warehouses in parts of Amhara. Responding on Twitter to the agency`s statement on looting, Getachew Reda, the Tigrayan forces` spokesperson, wrote: "While we cannot vouch for every unacceptable behaviour of off-grid fighters in such matters, we have evidence that such looting is mainly orchestrated by local individuals & groups." The U.N. has said a de facto aid blockade on the Tigray region, where some 400,000 people are already in famine conditions, has worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. The Ethiopian government has repeatedly denied allegations by the U.N. and Western governments that it is deliberately impeding the delivery of lifesaving assistance. On Sunday, a U.N. convoy of trucks bearing food and other aid was permitted to enter Tigray for the first time since Aug. 20.

Tigray forces killed 120 civilians in village in Amhara: Ethiopia officials

Ethiopian forces occupying a major city in the northern Tigray region are indulging in ethnic cleansing of the native people, including kids and women, by throwing them into makeshift concentration camps and dumping mutilated bodies into mass graves, a report citing witnesses has claimed.

According to the Telegraph, ethnic Amhara forces have been going “door-to-door” to round up anyone who is ethnic Tigrayan in the latest harrowing evidence of population cleansing in Ethiopia’s civil war.&nbsp;

"Feven Berhe was an innocent resident who owned a small shop. They took her to Tekeze river and shot her," the Telegraph quoted a resident who knew the 40-year-old victim.&nbsp;

"Before they killed her, they removed her eyes and cut off her legs. They did not let anyone pick her body up and bury her,” the resident claimed.

The ethnic cleansing follows a war that broke out between Ethiopia’s federal troops and forces loyal to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the Tigray region. Thousands have died and more than two million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Humera city houses a population of approximately 50,000 near Ethiopia's border with Eritrea and Sudan. Because of its strategic location, it was one of the first places to be attacked when Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrea's dictator launched a pincer attack to crush Tigray’s regional government in November.&nbsp;

Though Tigray forces in June reclaimed much of the region as Ethiopian and allied forces retreated, western Tigray is still controlled by authorities from Ethiopia's neighbouring Amhara region, who have cleared out many ethnic Tigrayans while saying the land is historically theirs.

Since last year, ethnic Amhara forces, who hail from a neighbouring region and are allied to the Nobel laureate, have controlled the city, along with swathes of western Tigray.&nbsp;

Sources told the Telegraph that after a stunning series of victories by the Tigrayan Defence Forces in late June, the occupying forces in Humera started to purge ethnic Tigrayans in the city.&nbsp;

On July 15, Amhara forces held a public meeting in the main municipality hall in Humera to decide the fate of Tigrayans in the areas they controlled.&nbsp;

“They said this—We should exterminate all Tigrayan residents in the city. We must cleanse them all,” said one man who claims he attended the public meeting.&nbsp;

At the beginning of August, 43 bloated and bloodied bodies were found floating down the Tekeze River, which separates the region from Sudan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian forces occupying a major city in the northern Tigray region are indulging in ethnic cleansing of the native people, including kids and women, by throwing them into makeshift concentration camps and dumping mutilated bodies into mass graves, a report citing witnesses has claimed.

Ethiopian forces occupying a major city in the northern Tigray region are indulging in ethnic cleansing of the native people, including kids and women, by throwing them into makeshift concentration camps and dumping mutilated bodies into mass graves, a report citing witnesses has claimed. According to the Telegraph, ethnic Amhara forces have been going “door-to-door” to round up anyone who is ethnic Tigrayan in the latest harrowing evidence of population cleansing in Ethiopia’s civil war. "Feven Berhe was an innocent resident who owned a small shop. They took her to Tekeze river and shot her," the Telegraph quoted a resident who knew the 40-year-old victim. "Before they killed her, they removed her eyes and cut off her legs. They did not let anyone pick her body up and bury her,” the resident claimed. The ethnic cleansing follows a war that broke out between Ethiopia’s federal troops and forces loyal to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the Tigray region. Thousands have died and more than two million people have been forced to flee their homes. Humera city houses a population of approximately 50,000 near Ethiopia's border with Eritrea and Sudan. Because of its strategic location, it was one of the first places to be attacked when Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrea's dictator launched a pincer attack to crush Tigray’s regional government in November. Though Tigray forces in June reclaimed much of the region as Ethiopian and allied forces retreated, western Tigray is still controlled by authorities from Ethiopia's neighbouring Amhara region, who have cleared out many ethnic Tigrayans while saying the land is historically theirs. Since last year, ethnic Amhara forces, who hail from a neighbouring region and are allied to the Nobel laureate, have controlled the city, along with swathes of western Tigray. Sources told the Telegraph that after a stunning series of victories by the Tigrayan Defence Forces in late June, the occupying forces in Humera started to purge ethnic Tigrayans in the city. On July 15, Amhara forces held a public meeting in the main municipality hall in Humera to decide the fate of Tigrayans in the areas they controlled. “They said this—We should exterminate all Tigrayan residents in the city. We must cleanse them all,” said one man who claims he attended the public meeting. At the beginning of August, 43 bloated and bloodied bodies were found floating down the Tekeze River, which separates the region from Sudan. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethnic cleansing: Ethiopian forces throwing kids, women into concentration camps, building mass graves, says report

Ethiopia&nbsp;said on Saturday that more than 150 aid trucks had entered war-torn Tigray over the past two days, after the United Nations warned of a "looming catastrophe" in the northern region.

A senior UN official said this week that a "de facto aid blockade" was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Tigray and that millions of people were on the brink of hunger.

And the African Union also urged the Ethiopian government to step up efforts to ensure aid access to the region that has been riven by 10 months of conflict.

Ethiopia's Ministry of Peace said on Saturday there had been efforts since last week "to better coordinate and facilitate the movement of humanitarian aid" to Tigray.

It said in a statement posted on Twitter that about 500 trucks with food and other aid had entered the region, including 152 in the past two days, and that the number of checkpoints had been reduced to two from seven.

The conflict erupted in November when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent in troops to topple the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional ruling party, saying the move was in response to attacks on army camps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-afghan-boy-dies-of-mushroom-poisoning-in-poland-410687">Also read |&nbsp;Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland</a>

Although the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner vowed a swift victory, the war has dragged on and spread into the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.

The Ethiopian authorities and Tigrayan rebels have repeatedly accused the other of obstructing humanitarian convoys trying to reach Tigray.

'Worsen dramatically'

The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA had said in a briefing note on Thursday that the only route to the region,&nbsp;the Semera-Abala corridor in Afar, had not been accessible since August 22.

It said Afar armed police had blocked a UN mission travelling to Abala on August 24 and forcefully entered UN vehicles to send them back to Semera, "verbally abusing, harassing and threatening" the team.

OCHA also complained that while there were twice-weekly UN flights from Addis Ababa to Tigray's capital Mekele, there had been delays and all passengers including senior UN officials faced "intrusive and intensive searches" at the airport in the Ethiopian capital.

The UN's Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for&nbsp;Ethiopia, Grant Leaity, warned Thursday that the situation in the north was set to "worsen dramatically" and called on all sides to allow in relief supplies "to avert this looming catastrophe".

An estimated 5.2 million people, or 90 percent of the population in Tigray, urgently need assistance, he said, including 400,000 already facing famine-like conditions.

Millions were on the brink of going hungry, including 1.7 million people in Afar and Amhara, he added, saying "stocks of relief aid, cash and fuel are running very low or are completely depleted".

The African Union&nbsp;which is headquartered in Addis Ababa on Friday also urged the Ethiopian government to do more to prevent starvation in the region.

Last month, the AU announced it had appointed former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo as mediator in the conflict, but the Tigrayan rebels accused the bloc of "partiality" towards the Ethiopian government.&nbsp;

Ethiopia said on Saturday that more than 150 aid trucks had entered war-torn Tigray over the past two days, after the United Nations warned of a "looming catastrophe" in the northern region.

Ethiopia said on Saturday that more than 150 aid trucks had entered war-torn Tigray over the past two days, after the United Nations warned of a "looming catastrophe" in the northern region. A senior UN official said this week that a "de facto aid blockade" was exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Tigray and that millions of people were on the brink of hunger. And the African Union also urged the Ethiopian government to step up efforts to ensure aid access to the region that has been riven by 10 months of conflict. Ethiopia's Ministry of Peace said on Saturday there had been efforts since last week "to better coordinate and facilitate the movement of humanitarian aid" to Tigray. It said in a statement posted on Twitter that about 500 trucks with food and other aid had entered the region, including 152 in the past two days, and that the number of checkpoints had been reduced to two from seven. The conflict erupted in November when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent in troops to topple the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional ruling party, saying the move was in response to attacks on army camps. Also read | Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland Although the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner vowed a swift victory, the war has dragged on and spread into the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions. The Ethiopian authorities and Tigrayan rebels have repeatedly accused the other of obstructing humanitarian convoys trying to reach Tigray. 'Worsen dramatically' The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA had said in a briefing note on Thursday that the only route to the region, the Semera-Abala corridor in Afar, had not been accessible since August 22. It said Afar armed police had blocked a UN mission travelling to Abala on August 24 and forcefully entered UN vehicles to send them back to Semera, "verbally abusing, harassing and threatening" the team. OCHA also complained that while there were twice-weekly UN flights from Addis Ababa to Tigray's capital Mekele, there had been delays and all passengers including senior UN officials faced "intrusive and intensive searches" at the airport in the Ethiopian capital. The UN's Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, Grant Leaity, warned Thursday that the situation in the north was set to "worsen dramatically" and called on all sides to allow in relief supplies "to avert this looming catastrophe". An estimated 5.2 million people, or 90 percent of the population in Tigray, urgently need assistance, he said, including 400,000 already facing famine-like conditions. Millions were on the brink of going hungry, including 1.7 million people in Afar and Amhara, he added, saying "stocks of relief aid, cash and fuel are running very low or are completely depleted". The African Union which is headquartered in Addis Ababa on Friday also urged the Ethiopian government to do more to prevent starvation in the region. Last month, the AU announced it had appointed former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo as mediator in the conflict, but the Tigrayan rebels accused the bloc of "partiality" towards the Ethiopian government.

Ethiopia says more aid trucks enter war-hit Tigray

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.

Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations.

Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation.

Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations.

"Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet.

Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account.

Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received.

He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities.

The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water. Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations. Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation. Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations. "Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet. Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account. Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received. He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities. The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum. (With inputs from agencies)

No impact of Ethiopian dam on floods this year, says Sudan

The United States has imposed sanctions on the Eritrean army’s chief of staff for his involvement in the conflict in neighboring Ethiopia. As part of the sanctions, any property of the Eritrean army’s chief in the US will be seized.

Ethiopia-Tigray Crisis: US blacklists Eritrean army chief over human rights abuse

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray.&nbsp;

This report alleges that&nbsp;Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have&nbsp;raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-rebels-reject-calls-to-leave-neighbouring-regions-403513">Tigray rebels reject calls to leave neighbouring regions</a>

Based on interviews of 63 survivors, it shines new light on a case that Ethiopian authorities have already begun investigating.

In May, according to the office of the attorney general, three soldiers had been convicted of rape and sentenced to prison sentences, while another 25 had been charged with rape and sexual violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Victims describe their ordeals. (TW: Graphic content)

Many survivors reported being gang-raped for days or weeks on end while being held captive. Others said being raped in front of their family members was the norm.

A number of women reported having nails and gravel inserted into their vaginal chambers,&nbsp;"causing lasting and possibly irreparable damage", Amnesty said.&nbsp;

Amnesty's secretary-general Agnes Callamard says that&nbsp;"It's clear that rape and sexual violence have been used as a weapon of war to inflict lasting physical and psychological damage on women and girls in&nbsp;Tigray,".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-rebels-take-control-of-unesco-site-lalibela-residents-403258">Tigray rebels take control of UNESCO site Lalibela: Residents</a>

"Hundreds have been subjected to brutal treatment aimed at degrading and dehumanising them.&nbsp;

"The severity and scale of the sexual crimes committed are particularly shocking, amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity."

The perpetrators

According to Amnesty, among those accused of rape are Ethiopian government's soldiers, troops from neighbour Eritrea and militia fighters from Ethiopia's Amhara region.

In addition to two dozen survivors who claim that Eritreans raped them, Amnesty has also received reports from survivors who claim that Eritreans and Ethiopians conspired.

"They raped us and starved us. There were too many who raped us in rounds," said one 21-year-old survivor who reported being held for 40 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100000-children-in-ethiopias-tigray-could-die-of-hunger-unicef-401856">More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF</a>

"We were around 30 women they took.... All of us were raped."&nbsp;

Why is the region in conflict?

There have been waves of violence in northern Ethiopia since November, when&nbsp;the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner,&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, led an invasion of Tigray to overthrow the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-pm-abiy-ahmed-boasts-of-military-might-396002">Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might</a>

According to Abiy TPLF attacks on federal camps prompted him to make the move.&nbsp;Eritrea has been backing&nbsp;up Abiy, which led to their troops entering the grim picture.&nbsp;

Due to the conflict, the humanitarian crisis has worsened greatly, with aid workers struggling to reach cut-off communities. UN officials estimate that 400,000 have been living in conditions that resemble famine.

Investigations ongoing&nbsp;

For the period of February to April 2021, Amnesty International says that regional health facilities report registering 1,288 cases of gender-based violence in Tigray, though doctors note that many survivors didn't come forward.

In an interview with AFP,&nbsp;&nbsp;Ethiopia's women's minister&nbsp;Filsan Abdullahi Ahmed&nbsp;said that it was up to law enforcement to find out how severe the problem was and who was at fault.

According to Filsan&nbsp;there's "no doubt" that rape has taken place in Tigray.&nbsp;In response, she has established a task force, which has since submitted a report to the Attorney General's office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/horrific-human-rights-violations-reported-as-clashes-underway-between-govt-forces-tigray-rebels-403335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I think they are doing their best... They have to go and really study thoroughly before they identify who committed the crimes."

However, she added, "I would prefer them moving at a faster pace so I can say justice has been served, and I hope we will see justice being served."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray. This report alleges that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved.

In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International tells of the horrific abuse administered on women and girls in Tigray. This report alleges that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops have raped hundreds of women and girls during the Tigray war, with some also being mutilated and sexually slaved. Also read | Tigray rebels reject calls to leave neighbouring regions Based on interviews of 63 survivors, it shines new light on a case that Ethiopian authorities have already begun investigating. In May, according to the office of the attorney general, three soldiers had been convicted of rape and sentenced to prison sentences, while another 25 had been charged with rape and sexual violence. Victims describe their ordeals. (TW: Graphic content) Many survivors reported being gang-raped for days or weeks on end while being held captive. Others said being raped in front of their family members was the norm. A number of women reported having nails and gravel inserted into their vaginal chambers, "causing lasting and possibly irreparable damage", Amnesty said. Amnesty's secretary-general Agnes Callamard says that "It's clear that rape and sexual violence have been used as a weapon of war to inflict lasting physical and psychological damage on women and girls in Tigray,". Also read | Tigray rebels take control of UNESCO site Lalibela: Residents "Hundreds have been subjected to brutal treatment aimed at degrading and dehumanising them. "The severity and scale of the sexual crimes committed are particularly shocking, amounting to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity." The perpetrators According to Amnesty, among those accused of rape are Ethiopian government's soldiers, troops from neighbour Eritrea and militia fighters from Ethiopia's Amhara region. In addition to two dozen survivors who claim that Eritreans raped them, Amnesty has also received reports from survivors who claim that Eritreans and Ethiopians conspired. "They raped us and starved us. There were too many who raped us in rounds," said one 21-year-old survivor who reported being held for 40 days. Also read | More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF "We were around 30 women they took.... All of us were raped." Why is the region in conflict? There have been waves of violence in northern Ethiopia since November, when the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, led an invasion of Tigray to overthrow the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Also read | Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might According to Abiy TPLF attacks on federal camps prompted him to make the move. Eritrea has been backing up Abiy, which led to their troops entering the grim picture. Due to the conflict, the humanitarian crisis has worsened greatly, with aid workers struggling to reach cut-off communities. UN officials estimate that 400,000 have been living in conditions that resemble famine. Investigations ongoing For the period of February to April 2021, Amnesty International says that regional health facilities report registering 1,288 cases of gender-based violence in Tigray, though doctors note that many survivors didn't come forward. In an interview with AFP, Ethiopia's women's minister Filsan Abdullahi Ahmed said that it was up to law enforcement to find out how severe the problem was and who was at fault. According to Filsan there's "no doubt" that rape has taken place in Tigray. In response, she has established a task force, which has since submitted a report to the Attorney General's office. "I think they are doing their best... They have to go and really study thoroughly before they identify who committed the crimes." However, she added, "I would prefer them moving at a faster pace so I can say justice has been served, and I hope we will see justice being served." (With inputs from agencies)

Rape, Mutilation: Amnesty International submits report on gender-oriented crimes in Tigray

The Ethiopian Envoy to India, Tizita Mulugeta, has appreciated India's "principled" stance on the Tigray issue at the United Nations security council. During the UNSC meeting on the issue on 2nd July, India's envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti, commended the Ethiopian government for its announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Tigray region &amp; granting "humanitarian access to a majority of areas under stress" while backing the country's territorial integrity.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Tizita Mulugeta said, "India kept its principled position of non-interference in the sovereignty of a given country and also non-interference in the affairs of a country."

The situation in Tigray has been making global headlines after clashes broke out between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia that shares borders with Eritrea and Sudan.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, exernal affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, and was briefed on the issue.

The Ethiopian envoy also spoke about ties between the two countries and how they are cooperating amid the Covid crisis. India had sent vaccines to Ethiopia.

Sidhant Sibal: How has been the engagement between India and Ethiopia?

Tizita Mulugeta: The relationship between India and Ethiopia has been there for a long time. The diplomatic relationship has been more than seven decades old, and we had a cordial and very good relationship. Our bilateral relationship has been showing an increase from time to time. Business and investment have been increasing in the last 10-15 &nbsp;years. So generally, overall diplomatic relations, human and cultural relations have been increasing.

Sidhant Sibal: Amid the COVID-19 crisis, how have both countries been engaging?

Tizita Mulugeta: It is well known that India is the global hub of pharmaceuticals and it has really done a lot in terms of vaccine diplomacy. Even before the Covid vaccine arrived, we got a lot of support, especially in terms of different kinds of medications for COVID-19. After March, my country has received close to 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccines and we are still expecting more from the Indian side which has been produced in the Serum Institute through the Covax facility. This really helped to curb the situation to some extent. It is one of the means to develop the existing relationship between Ethiopia and India.

Sidhant Sibal: How has the situation been in Tigray? Have you&nbsp;briefed the Indian side?

Tizita Mulugeta: If you see the real side, the very essence of the issue started in November when our government started the law enforcement operation when Tigray People's Liberation Front or TPLF attacked the Ethiopian National Defence Force. Then within 3-4 weeks, the operation was complete and then the government focused on apprehending the very leader of the TPLF who instigated the problem. The government already declared unilateral ceasefire, taking the condition that since June and July is the harvest season, giving time to farmers to harvest and facilitating the humanitarian assistance. But despite that, TPLF keep on waging the attacks in neighbouring regions of the country and they have been attacking various refugee camps found in Tigray region and they are waging attack on Afar region especially the displaced people where majority are children. So even in this case, even if our govt has already declared unilateral humanitarian ceasefire which is a political decision, we didn't get international community recognising this, and also condemning what TPLF is doing, where they have been deploying lot of children.

Sidhant Sibal: The issue came up at UNSC. How do you see India's stance?

Tizita Mulugeta: This issue has been there for some time at the United Nations security council and India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. Throughout all this time we found India kept its principled position of non-interference in the sovereignty of a given country and also non-interference in affairs of a country. They consider the issue as something that can be solved by the government itself. Not only that, when the issue was raised at the UNSC, but India has also shown its principled stance that this issue has to be dealt with by the three negotiating countries under the platform of African Union. It clearly shows India is really supporting the stand of Ethiopia which is principled based and based on the non-interference principle of India. We are always grateful for the support we are getting from the Indian government.&nbsp;

The Ethiopian Envoy to India, Tizita Mulugeta, has appreciated India's "principled" stance on the Tigray issue at the United Nations security council. During the UNSC meeting on the issue on 2nd July, India's envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti, commended the Ethiopian government for its announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Tigray region & granting "humanitarian access to a majority of areas under stress" while backing the country's territorial integrity.

The Ethiopian Envoy to India, Tizita Mulugeta, has appreciated India's "principled" stance on the Tigray issue at the United Nations security council. During the UNSC meeting on the issue on 2nd July, India's envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti, commended the Ethiopian government for its announcement of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Tigray region & granting "humanitarian access to a majority of areas under stress" while backing the country's territorial integrity. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Tizita Mulugeta said, "India kept its principled position of non-interference in the sovereignty of a given country and also non-interference in the affairs of a country." The situation in Tigray has been making global headlines after clashes broke out between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia that shares borders with Eritrea and Sudan. Earlier this year, Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, exernal affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, and was briefed on the issue. The Ethiopian envoy also spoke about ties between the two countries and how they are cooperating amid the Covid crisis. India had sent vaccines to Ethiopia. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the engagement between India and Ethiopia? Tizita Mulugeta: The relationship between India and Ethiopia has been there for a long time. The diplomatic relationship has been more than seven decades old, and we had a cordial and very good relationship. Our bilateral relationship has been showing an increase from time to time. Business and investment have been increasing in the last 10-15 years. So generally, overall diplomatic relations, human and cultural relations have been increasing. Sidhant Sibal: Amid the COVID-19 crisis, how have both countries been engaging? Tizita Mulugeta: It is well known that India is the global hub of pharmaceuticals and it has really done a lot in terms of vaccine diplomacy. Even before the Covid vaccine arrived, we got a lot of support, especially in terms of different kinds of medications for COVID-19. After March, my country has received close to 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccines and we are still expecting more from the Indian side which has been produced in the Serum Institute through the Covax facility. This really helped to curb the situation to some extent. It is one of the means to develop the existing relationship between Ethiopia and India. Sidhant Sibal: How has the situation been in Tigray? Have you briefed the Indian side? Tizita Mulugeta: If you see the real side, the very essence of the issue started in November when our government started the law enforcement operation when Tigray People's Liberation Front or TPLF attacked the Ethiopian National Defence Force. Then within 3-4 weeks, the operation was complete and then the government focused on apprehending the very leader of the TPLF who instigated the problem. The government already declared unilateral ceasefire, taking the condition that since June and July is the harvest season, giving time to farmers to harvest and facilitating the humanitarian assistance. But despite that, TPLF keep on waging the attacks in neighbouring regions of the country and they have been attacking various refugee camps found in Tigray region and they are waging attack on Afar region especially the displaced people where majority are children. So even in this case, even if our govt has already declared unilateral humanitarian ceasefire which is a political decision, we didn't get international community recognising this, and also condemning what TPLF is doing, where they have been deploying lot of children. Sidhant Sibal: The issue came up at UNSC. How do you see India's stance? Tizita Mulugeta: This issue has been there for some time at the United Nations security council and India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. Throughout all this time we found India kept its principled position of non-interference in the sovereignty of a given country and also non-interference in affairs of a country. They consider the issue as something that can be solved by the government itself. Not only that, when the issue was raised at the UNSC, but India has also shown its principled stance that this issue has to be dealt with by the three negotiating countries under the platform of African Union. It clearly shows India is really supporting the stand of Ethiopia which is principled based and based on the non-interference principle of India. We are always grateful for the support we are getting from the Indian government.

Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray conflict at UNSC

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