The Ethiopian Envoy to India Tizita Mulugeta has appreciated India's "principled" stance on the Tigray issue at the United Nations security council. During UNSC meet on the issue on 2nd July, India's envoy to UN T.S. Tirumurti had commend the Ethiopian Govt on its announcement of 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 our 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 affairs of a country" The situation in Tigray has been making global headlines after clashes broke between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia and shares borders with Eritrea, Sudan. Earlier this year Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar & briefed on the issue. The Ethiopian Envoy also spoke on ties between the 2 countries and how they are cooperating amid the covid crisis. India had sent vaccines to Ethopia.

Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray at UNSC

The United Nations children's agency said on Friday that more than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray could suffer life-threatening malnutrition in the next 12 months, a 10-fold increase to normal numbers.

More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF

Local officials in Sudan's Kassala province have discovered approximately 50 dead bodies floating on the river between Ethiopia and Sudan during the last week, some with gunshot wounds or their hands bound, probably individuals escaping the violence in the neighbouring Tigray area.

A Sudanese official said that forensic investigation is needed to determine the causes of death.

Two Ethiopian health workers in Hamdayet, a Sudan border town, reported witnessing the remains discovered in the Setit River, also known as the Tekeze in Ethiopia. 
 
Watch | Tigray rebel forces seize major town in new offensive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tigray-rebel-forces-seize-major-town-in-new-offensive-397847/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The river runs through some of the most problematic sections of Tigray's nine-month conflict, where ethnic Tigrayans accuse Ethiopian and coalition forces of crimes while fighting Tigray forces.

Setit River is the current de facto borderline between territory controlled by Tigrayan forces and those controlled by Amhara forces allied with Ethiopia's federal government.

Ethiopia's central government and Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, went to war eight months ago.

Amhara troops linked to the central government have been accused of dumping dead in Tigray, which they deny.

(With inputs from agencies)

Local officials in Sudan's Kassala province have discovered approximately 50 dead bodies floating on the river between Ethiopia and Sudan during the last week, some with gunshot wounds or their hands bound, probably individuals escaping the violence in the neighbouring Tigray area.

Local officials in Sudan's Kassala province have discovered approximately 50 dead bodies floating on the river between Ethiopia and Sudan during the last week, some with gunshot wounds or their hands bound, probably individuals escaping the violence in the neighbouring Tigray area. A Sudanese official said that forensic investigation is needed to determine the causes of death. Two Ethiopian health workers in Hamdayet, a Sudan border town, reported witnessing the remains discovered in the Setit River, also known as the Tekeze in Ethiopia. Watch | Tigray rebel forces seize major town in new offensive The river runs through some of the most problematic sections of Tigray's nine-month conflict, where ethnic Tigrayans accuse Ethiopian and coalition forces of crimes while fighting Tigray forces. Setit River is the current de facto borderline between territory controlled by Tigrayan forces and those controlled by Amhara forces allied with Ethiopia's federal government. Ethiopia's central government and Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, went to war eight months ago. Amhara troops linked to the central government have been accused of dumping dead in Tigray, which they deny. (With inputs from agencies)

Tigray conflict: 50 corpses, many with hands tied found floating in Setit river

Local authorities in Kassala province have found around 50 bodies floating in the river between the countries over the past week. Some bodies were found with gunshot wounds or their hands bound. Two Ethiopian health workers in the Sudan border community of Hamdayet confirmed seeing the bodies found in the Setit river.

Local authorities in Kassala find 50 bodies floating in Setit river bordering Ethiopia

Ethiopia has refilled the reservoir on mega-dam on the Blue Nile River for the second consecutive year, a move that has angered Egypt. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of dispute ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011.

Ethiopia angers Egypt after refilling reservoir on Blue Nile river

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, on Sunday denied it was transporting weapons and soldiers to the war-torn Tigray region.

Calls to boycott the state-owned airline appeared on social media over allegations it was involved in the nine-month-old conflict.

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>

"Ethiopian Airlines strongly refutes all the recent baseless and unfounded allegations that are running on social media regarding the airline's involvement in transporting war armament and soldiers to the Tigray region," it said in a statement on Twitter.

The war pitting government forces and their allies against Tigray rebels has cost thousands of lives and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine, with claims of rights abuses on both sides.

The allegations about the national carrier appeared in numerous Twitter posts, some accompanied by pictures of soldiers boarding one of its planes.

But Ethiopian Airlines said the reports "used various photoshopped, old and unrelated pictures to tarnish our brand".

Flights to and from Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, were suspended after the conflict erupted in November and after being reopened for a period, the airspace was shut again a month ago.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopia-fear-tigray-conflict-could-trigger-all-out-war-20-civilians-killed-in-clashes-399902/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have had no flight to the region since then, and none of our aircraft landed in the conflict area," Ethiopian Airlines said.

The United Nations and other aid agencies have issued urgent ap

peals for the opening of air and road routes into Tigray, where the UN says more than five million people are in desperate need of help.

The UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and US aid head Samantha Power are both visiting Ethiopia to press for access to the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebel-forces-in-ethiopias-tigray-launch-new-offensive-seize-town-spokesman-397761">Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Tigray launch new offensive, seize town: Spokesman</a>

The Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels have accused each other of being to blame for the difficulties in reaching Tigray by road.

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, on Sunday denied it was transporting weapons and soldiers to the war-torn Tigray region. Calls to boycott the state-owned airline appeared on social media over allegations it was involved in the nine-month-old conflict.

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, on Sunday denied it was transporting weapons and soldiers to the war-torn Tigray region. Calls to boycott the state-owned airline appeared on social media over allegations it was involved in the nine-month-old conflict. Also read | More than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's Tigray could die of hunger: UNICEF "Ethiopian Airlines strongly refutes all the recent baseless and unfounded allegations that are running on social media regarding the airline's involvement in transporting war armament and soldiers to the Tigray region," it said in a statement on Twitter. The war pitting government forces and their allies against Tigray rebels has cost thousands of lives and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine, with claims of rights abuses on both sides. The allegations about the national carrier appeared in numerous Twitter posts, some accompanied by pictures of soldiers boarding one of its planes. But Ethiopian Airlines said the reports "used various photoshopped, old and unrelated pictures to tarnish our brand". Flights to and from Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, were suspended after the conflict erupted in November and after being reopened for a period, the airspace was shut again a month ago. "We have had no flight to the region since then, and none of our aircraft landed in the conflict area," Ethiopian Airlines said. The United Nations and other aid agencies have issued urgent ap peals for the opening of air and road routes into Tigray, where the UN says more than five million people are in desperate need of help. The UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and US aid head Samantha Power are both visiting Ethiopia to press for access to the region. Also read | Rebel forces in Ethiopia's Tigray launch new offensive, seize town: Spokesman The Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels have accused each other of being to blame for the difficulties in reaching Tigray by road.

Ethiopian Airlines denies shipping arms, soldiers to Tigray

The United Nations children's agency said on Friday that more than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's northern region of&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;could suffer life-threatening malnutrition in the next 12 months, a 10-fold increase to normal numbers.

UNICEF spokesperson Marixie Mercado said that one-in-two pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;were acutely malnourished.

"Our worst fears about the health and well-being of children... are being confirmed," she told a briefing in Geneva.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/400000-people-facing-famine-in-war-torn-tigray-says-un-395470">400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN</a>

Spokespeople for the prime minister and a government task force on&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;- where fighting between rebellious regional and federal forces have continued since November - did not immediately respond to requests for comment on UNICEF's statement.

Babies like 20-month-old Aammanuel Merhawi are suffering the most. He is a third below normal weight for his age. His feverish eyes glisten and his ribs are visible as he heaves, vomiting supplementary food fed through a nasal tube. All are signs of severe malnutrition.

"My milk dried up," his mother, Brkti Gebrehiwot, told Reuters at Wukro General Hospital in northern&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;on July 11.

Famine Conditions

Aid agencies say they are about to run out of the formula used to treat 4,000 severely malnourished children every month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-offers-prayers-for-famine-hit-tigray-391172">Pope offers prayers for famine-hit Tigray</a>

At least three children have died in Wukro hospital since February, nurse Tsehaynesh Gebrehiwot said.

She provided their medical records: four-month-old Awet Gebreslassie weighed 2.6 kilogrammes (5.7 lb), a third of normal weight; one-year-old Robel Gebrezgiher weighed 2 kgs, less than a quarter of normal weight; and Kisanet Hogus, also a year old, weighed 5 kgs - just over half of normal weight.

All died within days of admission.

In Adigrat General Hospital further north, Reuters saw medical records confirming the death of three more malnourished children.

Doctors in both hospitals said they saw between four to 10 severely malnourished children monthly before the conflict erupted in November. Now numbers have more than doubled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-analysis-about-350000-people-in-ethiopias-tigray-in-famine-390882">UN analysis: About 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray in famine</a>

The UN&nbsp;says that around 400,000 people are living in famine conditions in&nbsp;Tigray, and more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of the population needs emergency food aid.

In a statement on Thursday evening, the Ethiopian government blamed&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;regional forces for blocking aid and said it had stockpiled reserve wheat in the region. It gave no details on the stockpile's location or plans for distribution.

The TPLF was unavailable for comment but has previously said it welcomes aid.

The UN&nbsp;says&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;needs 100 trucks of food daily to prevent mass starvation; only one 50-truck convoy has gotten through in the past month.

The United Nations children's agency said on Friday that more than 100,000 children in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray could suffer life-threatening malnutrition in the next 12 months, a 10-fold increase to normal numbers. UNICEF spokesperson Marixie Mercado said that one-in-two pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in Tigray were acutely malnourished. "Our worst fears about the health and well-being of children... are being confirmed," she told a briefing in Geneva. Also read | 400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN Spokespeople for the prime minister and a government task force on Tigray - where fighting between rebellious regional and federal forces have continued since November - did not immediately respond to requests for comment on UNICEF's statement. Babies like 20-month-old Aammanuel Merhawi are suffering the most. He is a third below normal weight for his age. His feverish eyes glisten and his ribs are visible as he heaves, vomiting supplementary food fed through a nasal tube. All are signs of severe malnutrition. "My milk dried up," his mother, Brkti Gebrehiwot, told Reuters at Wukro General Hospital in northern Tigray on July 11. Famine Conditions Aid agencies say they are about to run out of the formula used to treat 4,000 severely malnourished children every month. Also read | Pope offers prayers for famine-hit Tigray At least three children have died in Wukro hospital since February, nurse Tsehaynesh Gebrehiwot said. She provided their medical records: four-month-old Awet Gebreslassie weighed 2.6 kilogrammes (5.7 lb), a third of normal weight; one-year-old Robel Gebrezgiher weighed 2 kgs, less than a quarter of normal weight; and Kisanet Hogus, also a year old, weighed 5 kgs - just over half of normal weight. All died within days of admission. In Adigrat General Hospital further north, Reuters saw medical records confirming the death of three more malnourished children. Doctors in both hospitals said they saw between four to 10 severely malnourished children monthly before the conflict erupted in November. Now numbers have more than doubled. Also read | UN analysis: About 350,000 people in Ethiopia's Tigray in famine The UN says that around 400,000 people are living in famine conditions in Tigray, and more than 90 per cent of the population needs emergency food aid. In a statement on Thursday evening, the Ethiopian government blamed Tigray regional forces for blocking aid and said it had stockpiled reserve wheat in the region. It gave no details on the stockpile's location or plans for distribution. The TPLF was unavailable for comment but has previously said it welcomes aid. The UN says Tigray needs 100 trucks of food daily to prevent mass starvation; only one 50-truck convoy has gotten through in the past month.

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign". Amhara region borders Tigray to the South. The regions are embroiled in a decades long dispute that has become central to eight-month-old war in Tigray.

Sunday's statement from Amhara regional president Agegnehu Teshager echoes a call made Friday by the president of Ethiopia's Afar region just east of Tigray.

Together the two statements highlight the potential for the Tigray war, which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared all but over in late November, to draw in the rest of the country.

"Starting from tomorrow (Monday), I call on all people of age who are armed either at governmental or private level to mobilise for a survival campaign," Agegnehu said.

Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a move he said was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps.

Fighting dragged on for months before the war took a stunning turn in late June, with pro-TPLF fighters reclaiming the Tigray capital Mekele and Abiy declaring a unilateral ceasefire.

Yet clashes have continued and officials from six regions and the city of Dire Dawa have since said they would send troops to back government forces.&nbsp;

The war has already killed thousands and, according to the United Nations, pushed hundreds of thousands into famine.

(Wion web team)

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign".

President of Ethiopia's Amhara region Agegnehu Teshager called on all armed residents for battle against Tigray rebels. State media said that he called it "survival campaign". Amhara region borders Tigray to the South. The regions are embroiled in a decades long dispute that has become central to eight-month-old war in Tigray. Sunday's statement from Amhara regional president Agegnehu Teshager echoes a call made Friday by the president of Ethiopia's Afar region just east of Tigray. Together the two statements highlight the potential for the Tigray war, which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared all but over in late November, to draw in the rest of the country. "Starting from tomorrow (Monday), I call on all people of age who are armed either at governmental or private level to mobilise for a survival campaign," Agegnehu said. Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a move he said was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps. Fighting dragged on for months before the war took a stunning turn in late June, with pro-TPLF fighters reclaiming the Tigray capital Mekele and Abiy declaring a unilateral ceasefire. Yet clashes have continued and officials from six regions and the city of Dire Dawa have since said they would send troops to back government forces. The war has already killed thousands and, according to the United Nations, pushed hundreds of thousands into famine. (Wion web team)

Ethiopia: Amhara region boss makes appeal against Tigray rebels

Fighting from Tigray has spread to neighbouring regions sparking fears of another war in Ethiopia. At least 20 civilians have been killed in clashes between rebels and pro-government forces in Afar.

Ethiopia: Fear Tigray conflict could trigger all-out war, 20 civilians killed in clashes

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

"The first filling already was done last year. The second one is already done today. So today or tomorrow, second filling will be announced," an official told AFP, adding there is now enough water stored to begin producing energy.&nbsp;

The milestone was later confirmed by Water Minister Seleshi Bekele. The officials had earlier predicted that the milestone would be reached in August.

On Twitter, the minister attributed the accelerated timeline to "extreme rainfall" in the Blue Nile basin.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been at the centre of a regional dispute ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011.

The dam is viewed as a threat by Egypt and Sudan because of their dependence on Nile waters. Ethiopia says that the dam is essential for its electrification and development.

Talks held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) have failed to yield a three-way agreement. Egypt and Sudan have urged Ethiopia to stop filling the dam till an agreement is reached.

Ethiopian officials however, have argued that filling is a natural part of the dam's construction process and can't be stopped.

Energy generation

The UN Security Council met earlier this month to discuss the project, although Ethiopia later slammed the session as an "unhelpful" distraction from the AU-led process.&nbsp;

Egypt claims a historic right to the Nile dating from a 1929 treaty that gave it veto power over construction projects along the river.

A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan. 
Yet Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid.

In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement.&nbsp;

The Nile's main tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile, converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;

The process of filling the GERD's reservoir began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres.

The goal for this year's rainy season -- which had been announced before the first cycle was completed -- was to add 13.5 billion cubic metres. The reservoir's capacity is 74 billion.

With the second-year target hit, the dam can run the first two of its 13 turbines, Seleshi said Monday on Twitter.

"Intensive efforts are being made for the two turbines to generate energy," Seleshi said, adding that "early generation" could be realised "in the next few months."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia said on Monday that it had achieved its second-year target for filling the huge dam on the Blue Nile River. The dam is an area of dispute between Ethiopia and downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. "The first filling already was done last year. The second one is already done today. So today or tomorrow, second filling will be announced," an official told AFP, adding there is now enough water stored to begin producing energy. The milestone was later confirmed by Water Minister Seleshi Bekele. The officials had earlier predicted that the milestone would be reached in August. On Twitter, the minister attributed the accelerated timeline to "extreme rainfall" in the Blue Nile basin. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been at the centre of a regional dispute ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011. The dam is viewed as a threat by Egypt and Sudan because of their dependence on Nile waters. Ethiopia says that the dam is essential for its electrification and development. Talks held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) have failed to yield a three-way agreement. Egypt and Sudan have urged Ethiopia to stop filling the dam till an agreement is reached. Ethiopian officials however, have argued that filling is a natural part of the dam's construction process and can't be stopped. Energy generation The UN Security Council met earlier this month to discuss the project, although Ethiopia later slammed the session as an "unhelpful" distraction from the AU-led process. Egypt claims a historic right to the Nile dating from a 1929 treaty that gave it veto power over construction projects along the river. A 1959 treaty boosted Egypt's allocation to around 66 percent of the river's flow, with 22 percent for Sudan. Yet Ethiopia was not party to those treaties and does not see them as valid. In 2010 Nile basin countries, excluding Egypt and Sudan, signed another deal, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, that allows projects on the river without Cairo's agreement. The Nile's main tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile, converge in Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. The process of filling the GERD's reservoir began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres. The goal for this year's rainy season -- which had been announced before the first cycle was completed -- was to add 13.5 billion cubic metres. The reservoir's capacity is 74 billion. With the second-year target hit, the dam can run the first two of its 13 turbines, Seleshi said Monday on Twitter. "Intensive efforts are being made for the two turbines to generate energy," Seleshi said, adding that "early generation" could be realised "in the next few months." (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia hits second-year target for filling Nile mega-dam

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party won maximum seats in Ethiopia's parliamentary elections, as per the country's election board. The victory assures him another term in the office.

He hailed the vote as the country's first free and fair election after repressive rule that lasted decades. The voting took place on June 21. However, an opposition boycott, war in the northern region of Tigray, ethnic violence and logistical challenges in some areas overshadowed the election. Voting did not take place in three of Ethiopia's 10 regions.

Abiy's party won 410 of 436 parliamentary seats, election board deputy chairperson Woubshet Ayele announced in the capital Addis Ababa. Chairperson Birtukan Mideksa said the board had delivered a credible election.

Opposition leader Berhanu Nega said his Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice party (Ezema) had filed 207 complaints after local officials and militiamen blocked observers in the Amhara region and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' region.

The election was the first test of voter support for Abiy, who promised political and economic reforms when he was appointed prime minister by the governing coalition in 2018.

Within months of taking office, Abiy lifted a ban on opposition parties, released tens of thousands of political prisoners and took steps to open up one of Africa's last untapped markets.

He now faces international pressure over the war in Tigray and accusations from rights groups that his government is rolling back some new freedoms, which it denies.

Abiy's newly formed Prosperity Party faced a fragmented opposition of dozens of mostly ethnically-based parties. The opposition parties Ezema and the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) each won less than 10 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party won maximum seats in Ethiopia's parliamentary elections, as per the country's election board. The victory assures him another term in the office.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party won maximum seats in Ethiopia's parliamentary elections, as per the country's election board. The victory assures him another term in the office. He hailed the vote as the country's first free and fair election after repressive rule that lasted decades. The voting took place on June 21. However, an opposition boycott, war in the northern region of Tigray, ethnic violence and logistical challenges in some areas overshadowed the election. Voting did not take place in three of Ethiopia's 10 regions. Abiy's party won 410 of 436 parliamentary seats, election board deputy chairperson Woubshet Ayele announced in the capital Addis Ababa. Chairperson Birtukan Mideksa said the board had delivered a credible election. Opposition leader Berhanu Nega said his Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice party (Ezema) had filed 207 complaints after local officials and militiamen blocked observers in the Amhara region and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' region. The election was the first test of voter support for Abiy, who promised political and economic reforms when he was appointed prime minister by the governing coalition in 2018. Within months of taking office, Abiy lifted a ban on opposition parties, released tens of thousands of political prisoners and took steps to open up one of Africa's last untapped markets. He now faces international pressure over the war in Tigray and accusations from rights groups that his government is rolling back some new freedoms, which it denies. Abiy's newly formed Prosperity Party faced a fragmented opposition of dozens of mostly ethnically-based parties. The opposition parties Ezema and the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) each won less than 10 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed's party registers landslide victory in election

UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members on Thursday backed African&nbsp;Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council involvement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-resumes-filling-nile-mega-dam-reservoir-angering-downstream-nations-396546">Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations</a>

"A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US&nbsp;Ambassador to the&nbsp;United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council.

"This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held&nbsp;under the leadership of the African&nbsp;Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African&nbsp;Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute."

Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council help with water disputes.

Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nile-dam-talks-fail-again-375968/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tunisia has proposed a draft&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to adopt the resolution.

"We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations."

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any&nbsp;unilateral measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-ethiopias-controversial-blue-nile-dam-393247">Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam</a>

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council meeting.

"We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to&nbsp;understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks. Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN Security Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any Security Council involvement. Also read | Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations "A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council. "This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held under the leadership of the African Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute." Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek Security Council help with water disputes. Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations. Tunisia has proposed a draft Security Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the Security Council to adopt the resolution. "We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations." Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any unilateral measures. Also read | Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the Security Council meeting. "We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the Security Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council backs African Union bid to broker Ethiopia dam deal

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday, stressing the need for all parties to commit to an immediate and indefinite ceasefire in the northern Tigray region, the State Department said. 
 
The conflict in Tigray has killed thousands of people, displaced more than two million and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine, with international pressure building on both sides to end hostilities. 
 
The Ethiopian government declared a unilateral ceasefire last week after its troops pulled out of the Tigray capital of Mekelle in what it called a strategic withdrawal. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) dismissed that truce as a joke and said it had driven the government out of the city. 
 
"That unilateral announcement needs to be followed up with concrete changes on the ground to end the conflict, to stop the atrocities and importantly, to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters at a regular news briefing. 
 
Blinken also called for Abiy to commit to steps outlined by the UN Security Council last week, including the withdrawal of both Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray and the establishment of a process to hold those responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities accountable, Price said in a statement. 
 
Abiy's government has been battling the TPLF since early November, when it accused the then-governing party of Tigray of attacking military bases across the region. The TPLF has denied the charges. 
 
The commander of rebel forces in Tigray on Tuesday called for a negotiated ceasefire with the Ethiopian government and a political solution to the conflict, saying the government could not win the war. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday, stressing the need for all parties to commit to an immediate and indefinite ceasefire in the northern Tigray region, the State Department said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday, stressing the need for all parties to commit to an immediate and indefinite ceasefire in the northern Tigray region, the State Department said. The conflict in Tigray has killed thousands of people, displaced more than two million and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine, with international pressure building on both sides to end hostilities. The Ethiopian government declared a unilateral ceasefire last week after its troops pulled out of the Tigray capital of Mekelle in what it called a strategic withdrawal. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) dismissed that truce as a joke and said it had driven the government out of the city. "That unilateral announcement needs to be followed up with concrete changes on the ground to end the conflict, to stop the atrocities and importantly, to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters at a regular news briefing. Blinken also called for Abiy to commit to steps outlined by the UN Security Council last week, including the withdrawal of both Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray and the establishment of a process to hold those responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities accountable, Price said in a statement. Abiy's government has been battling the TPLF since early November, when it accused the then-governing party of Tigray of attacking military bases across the region. The TPLF has denied the charges. The commander of rebel forces in Tigray on Tuesday called for a negotiated ceasefire with the Ethiopian government and a political solution to the conflict, saying the government could not win the war. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken calls for indefinite ceasefire in call with Ethiopia's Abiy

Ethiopia says it has started the next phase of filling a controversial mega-dam&nbsp;on the&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;River, Egyptian authorities said Monday, raising tensions ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council on the issue.

Egypt said the move was "a violation of international laws and norms that regulate projects built on the shared basins of international rivers," and had expressed its "firm rejection of this unilateral measure", its irrigation ministry said in a statement late Monday.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance&nbsp;Dam, which is set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, is the source of an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access.

Both countries have been pushing Addis Ababa to ink a binding deal over the filling and operation of the&nbsp;dam, and have been urging the UN Security Council to take the matter up in recent weeks.

Thursday's meeting was requested by Tunisia on Egypt and Sudan's behalf, a diplomatic source told AFP.

But France's ambassador to the UN said last week that the council itself can do little apart from bringing the sides together.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in one note to the UN that negotiations are at an impasse, and accused Ethiopia of adopting "a policy of intransigence that undermined our collective endeavors to reach an agreement."

Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal.

'Existential threat'

The&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;-- which at some 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometres) is one of the longest rivers in the world -- is an essential source of water and electricity for dozens of countries in East Africa.

Egypt, which depends on the&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the&nbsp;dam&nbsp;as an existential threat.

Sudan hopes the project will regulate annual flooding but fears its dams would be harmed without agreement on the Ethiopian operation.

The 145-metre (475-foot) mega-dam, on which construction began in 2011, has a capacity of 74 billion cubic metres.

Filling began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres -- enough to test the&nbsp;dam's first two turbines, an important milestone on the way towards actually producing energy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/9-arrested-over-alleged-plot-to-plant-bombs-around-hong-kong-396124">Also read |&nbsp;9 arrested over alleged plot to plant bombs around Hong Kong</a>

The goal is to impound an additional 13.5 billion cubic metres this year.

Egypt and Sudan wanted a trilateral agreement on the&nbsp;dam's operations to be reached before any filling began.

But Ethiopia says it is a natural part of the construction, and is thus impossible to postpone.

Last year Sudan said the process caused water shortages, including in the capital Khartoum, a claim Ethiopia disputed.

Sudan's water minister Yasser Abbas warned in April that if Ethiopia went ahead with the second stage filling, Sudan "would file lawsuits against the Italian company constructing the&nbsp;dam&nbsp;and the Ethiopian government".

He said the lawsuits would highlight that the "environmental and social impact as well as the dangers of the&nbsp;dam" have not been taken into adequate consideration.

Ethiopia says it has started the next phase of filling a controversial mega-dam on the Nile River, Egyptian authorities said Monday, raising tensions ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council on the issue.

Ethiopia says it has started the next phase of filling a controversial mega-dam on the Nile River, Egyptian authorities said Monday, raising tensions ahead of an upcoming UN Security Council on the issue. Egypt said the move was "a violation of international laws and norms that regulate projects built on the shared basins of international rivers," and had expressed its "firm rejection of this unilateral measure", its irrigation ministry said in a statement late Monday. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, is the source of an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access. Both countries have been pushing Addis Ababa to ink a binding deal over the filling and operation of the dam, and have been urging the UN Security Council to take the matter up in recent weeks. Thursday's meeting was requested by Tunisia on Egypt and Sudan's behalf, a diplomatic source told AFP. But France's ambassador to the UN said last week that the council itself can do little apart from bringing the sides together. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in one note to the UN that negotiations are at an impasse, and accused Ethiopia of adopting "a policy of intransigence that undermined our collective endeavors to reach an agreement." Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal. 'Existential threat' The Nile -- which at some 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometres) is one of the longest rivers in the world -- is an essential source of water and electricity for dozens of countries in East Africa. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan hopes the project will regulate annual flooding but fears its dams would be harmed without agreement on the Ethiopian operation. The 145-metre (475-foot) mega-dam, on which construction began in 2011, has a capacity of 74 billion cubic metres. Filling began last year, with Ethiopia announcing in July 2020 it had hit its target of 4.9 billion cubic metres -- enough to test the dam's first two turbines, an important milestone on the way towards actually producing energy. Also read | 9 arrested over alleged plot to plant bombs around Hong Kong The goal is to impound an additional 13.5 billion cubic metres this year. Egypt and Sudan wanted a trilateral agreement on the dam's operations to be reached before any filling began. But Ethiopia says it is a natural part of the construction, and is thus impossible to postpone. Last year Sudan said the process caused water shortages, including in the capital Khartoum, a claim Ethiopia disputed. Sudan's water minister Yasser Abbas warned in April that if Ethiopia went ahead with the second stage filling, Sudan "would file lawsuits against the Italian company constructing the dam and the Ethiopian government". He said the lawsuits would highlight that the "environmental and social impact as well as the dangers of the dam" have not been taken into adequate consideration.

Ethiopia begins second stage of filling mega-dam, angering Egypt

Rebel leaders in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region said that they have accepted the 'ceasefire in principle' but have laid down strict conditions for it to be formalised. The rebel leadership demanded a full withdrawal of the Eritrean troops from the region.

Ethiopia: Tigray rebels accept 'ceasefire in principle' but set out conditions

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire.

The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats.&nbsp;

"In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-urges-ceasefire-in-ethiopias-war-hit-tigray-395739">Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray</a>

"If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained."

But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think".

Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region.&nbsp;

They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence.&nbsp;

Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Monday that the government can easily recruit one million new fighter but wanted a period of "silence" in the country's war-hit Tigray region. Abiy Ahmed is 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner. His remarks came just a week after Tigray's capital Mekele fell to Tigray Defence Forces (TDF). Abiy's government almost immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire. The TDF has described its seizure of Mekele and most of the rest of the northern region of Tigray as a major victory, while Abiy and other officials have countered that federal forces executed a strategic pullback to focus on other threats. "In one, two or three weeks, 100,000 trained, armed and organised special forces can be mobilised," Abiy told lawmakers. Also Read | Sudan urges ceasefire in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray "If said special force isn't enough, if a militia is needed, in one or two months half a million militiamen can be organised. One million youths can be mobilised and trained." But Abiy also said officials had "decided there should be a period of silence for everyone to think". Tigrayan leaders on Sunday issued their first formal response to Abiy's ceasefire call, saying they would only accept it if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from the region. They also called for "proceedings" to hold Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accountable for "damage" inflicted during the fighting, which has been marked by grisly massacres and widespread sexual violence. Abiy did not address those conditions on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed boasts of military might

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine.

The region of northern&nbsp;Ethiopia, a country of about 110 million people, has been riven by fighting since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in early November sent the army to topple the dissident leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/400000-people-facing-famine-in-war-torn-tigray-says-un-395470">400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN</a>

After declaring an early victory, the operation turned into a long-lasting and bloody conflict between pro-TPLF forces,&nbsp;the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), and the Ethiopian army.&nbsp;

Confusing matters, the Ethiopian military was supported by troops from neighbouring Amhara regional authorities and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray.&nbsp;

The conflict has been marked by numerous accounts of abuses against civilians, with reports of massacres, rapes and forced displacement.&nbsp;

More than 400,000 people have "crossed the famine threshold" in the region and another 1.8 million people "are on the verge of starvation", a senior UN official estimated at a public meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

NGOs and the World Food Programme (WFP) raised the alarm on Friday over the destruction this week of two bridges that provide vital road access after the TDF retook the regional capital Mekele.

The Ethiopian government denied any responsibility after it was accused of destroying the bridges to prevent humanitarian aid arriving.&nbsp;

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"The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission expresses its deep concern about the situation of civilians in the Tigray region" and "urges that urgent measures be taken to ensure their safety and security," the independent but federal government-affiliated body said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"The safety and security of civilians must remain a priority," it said.&nbsp;

With electricity and telecommunications cut off and many roads impassable, it stressed the importance of "transparency and clarity on the current security and humanitarian situation".&nbsp;

The commission called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, unilaterally declared on Monday night by the federal government and described by the TDF as a "joke".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-alarmed-at-soldiers-detaining-displaced-from-tigray-camps-388006">UN alarmed at soldiers detaining displaced from Tigray camps</a>

The pre-war TPLF government in Tigray on Friday pledged its support for the UN and organisations "working to provide vital assistance" to Tigrayans, saying it was "committed to facilitating humanitarian access".&nbsp;

At the Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also urged the TDF on Thursday to "immediately and fully endorse the ceasefire".&nbsp;

In Addis Ababa, the commission also said it was monitoring reports of "arrests of media personnel and residents of Tigray ethnic origin suspected of connection with the ongoing situation in the region", pointing to a "risk of ethnic profiling".

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Saturday called for urgent measures to ensure "the safety and security of civilians" is made a priority in Tigray after eight months of conflict that has left millions facing famine. The region of northern Ethiopia, a country of about 110 million people, has been riven by fighting since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in early November sent the army to topple the dissident leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Also read | 400,000 people facing famine in war-torn Tigray, says UN After declaring an early victory, the operation turned into a long-lasting and bloody conflict between pro-TPLF forces, the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), and the Ethiopian army. Confusing matters, the Ethiopian military was supported by troops from neighbouring Amhara regional authorities and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray. The conflict has been marked by numerous accounts of abuses against civilians, with reports of massacres, rapes and forced displacement. More than 400,000 people have "crossed the famine threshold" in the region and another 1.8 million people "are on the verge of starvation", a senior UN official estimated at a public meeting of the Security Council on Friday. NGOs and the World Food Programme (WFP) raised the alarm on Friday over the destruction this week of two bridges that provide vital road access after the TDF retook the regional capital Mekele. The Ethiopian government denied any responsibility after it was accused of destroying the bridges to prevent humanitarian aid arriving. "The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission expresses its deep concern about the situation of civilians in the Tigray region" and "urges that urgent measures be taken to ensure their safety and security," the independent but federal government-affiliated body said on Saturday. "The safety and security of civilians must remain a priority," it said. With electricity and telecommunications cut off and many roads impassable, it stressed the importance of "transparency and clarity on the current security and humanitarian situation". The commission called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, unilaterally declared on Monday night by the federal government and described by the TDF as a "joke". Also read | UN alarmed at soldiers detaining displaced from Tigray camps The pre-war TPLF government in Tigray on Friday pledged its support for the UN and organisations "working to provide vital assistance" to Tigrayans, saying it was "committed to facilitating humanitarian access". At the Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also urged the TDF on Thursday to "immediately and fully endorse the ceasefire". In Addis Ababa, the commission also said it was monitoring reports of "arrests of media personnel and residents of Tigray ethnic origin suspected of connection with the ongoing situation in the region", pointing to a "risk of ethnic profiling".

Ethiopian rights body demands security of civilians 'a priority'

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire.

The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray. Both these groups are helping Ethiopian army.

Tigray region has seen fierce fighting for last many months after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent army to topple dissident Tigray authorities.

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner accused them of orchestrating attacks on Ethiopian military bases.&nbsp;

After early successes and a premature declaration of victory, government forces were bogged down in a vicious and months-long battle with pro-TPLF fighters -- the Tigray Defence Forces, or TDF. The Ethiopian army was backed by troops from the neighbouring Amhara region and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray.

On Monday, the TDF recaptured Mekele, held by the Ethiopian army since 28 November.&nbsp;

The government in Addis Ababa immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire, but this was swiftly derided as a "joke" by the rebel forces, which vowed to continue fighting.

Now the rebels have agreed to a ceasefire in principle but another of their conditions is the restoration of what Addis Ababa considers the rebel government in Tigray.

The United Nations and numerous government have called for a ceasefire to be respected, especially to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilian populations.

"As long as we have a foolproof guarantee that the security of our people will not be compromised by a second round of invasions, we accept a ceasefire in principle," a statement signed by the "government of Tigray" said on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire. The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray.

Rebels in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region accepted a ceasefire "in principle" on Sunday. However, they have set strict conditions to formalise the ceasefire. The rebels are demanding withdrawal of Eritrean fighters and fighters from neighbouring Ethiopian region (Amhara) from Tigray. Both these groups are helping Ethiopian army. Tigray region has seen fierce fighting for last many months after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent army to topple dissident Tigray authorities. The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner accused them of orchestrating attacks on Ethiopian military bases. After early successes and a premature declaration of victory, government forces were bogged down in a vicious and months-long battle with pro-TPLF fighters -- the Tigray Defence Forces, or TDF. The Ethiopian army was backed by troops from the neighbouring Amhara region and the army of Eritrea, which borders Tigray. On Monday, the TDF recaptured Mekele, held by the Ethiopian army since 28 November. The government in Addis Ababa immediately declared a unilateral ceasefire, but this was swiftly derided as a "joke" by the rebel forces, which vowed to continue fighting. Now the rebels have agreed to a ceasefire in principle but another of their conditions is the restoration of what Addis Ababa considers the rebel government in Tigray. The United Nations and numerous government have called for a ceasefire to be respected, especially to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilian populations. "As long as we have a foolproof guarantee that the security of our people will not be compromised by a second round of invasions, we accept a ceasefire in principle," a statement signed by the "government of Tigray" said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Tigray rebels accept ceasefire 'in principle'

Tens of thousands of Ethiopians left their homes to fled Sudan when conflict struct the Tigray region. The conflict broke out on November 4 between Ethiopia’s federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Ethiopian refugees in Sudan hope for a better future

For the past 8 months, Nobel Peace Laureate and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has led a civil war on his own people. Now, the Ethiopian government has declared a unilateral ceasefire. Palki Sharma tells you how Abiy Ahmed was humiliated on the battlefield.

Gravitas: A major turning point in the Ethiopian Civil war

Ethiopia’s government declared an immediate, unilateral cease-fire in its Tigray region after nearly eight months of deadly conflict. Watch this report to know more.

Ethiopia’s government declares unilateral ceasefire in Tigray

The Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has now reassumed control of Tigray's regional capital. On Tuesday, the party&nbsp;said that they are in the process of conducting “mop-up” operations after the retreat of Ethiopian government’s forces.

They added that the Ethiopian forces have retreated from the regional capital of Mekelle and that the city was “100%” back in their grip.

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“Twenty-five minutes ago the active engagement in Mekelle was over,” Getachew Reda, spokesman for the Tigray People's Liberation Front, told Reuters on Tuesday.

"Our forces are still in hot pursuit to the south, east”, Reda added.

After eight months of fighting in the Tigray region, the government which ousted its former rulers declared a unilateral ceasefire. Reuters reported that Mekelle residents witnessed the return of rebel troops in the city for the first since they were driven out in November by the government forces.

The conflict so far has killed thousands of people, displaced over 2 million and has pushed thousands into poverty.

Over the last two days, reports came in of intense fighting between the forces of Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopia's government on Monday said it was declaring a ceasefire after a request from the interim regional administration in&nbsp;Tigray.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/rebels-enter-tigray-capital-ethiopia-declares-unilateral-ceasefire-394561" hreflang="en">Rebels enter Tigray capital, Ethiopia declares 'unilateral ceasefire'</a>

“This unilateral ceasefire declaration starts from today June 28, 2021 and will stay until the farming season ends," the Ethiopian government said in a statement late on Monday.&nbsp;The planting farming season in Ethiopia lasts from May to September.

Ethiopia received support from Eritrea in the north and from Amhara in south. Both&nbsp;sent troops into Tigray in support of Prime Minister Abir Ahmed, whose government had accused the TPLF of attacking military bases in early November.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/three-msf-employees-killed-in-ethiopias-tigray-aid-agency-says-394101" hreflang="en">Three MSF employees killed in Ethiopia's Tigray, aid agency says</a>

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has now reassumed control of Tigray's regional capital. On Tuesday, the party said that they are in the process of conducting “mop-up” operations after the retreat of Ethiopian government’s forces.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has now reassumed control of Tigray's regional capital. On Tuesday, the party said that they are in the process of conducting “mop-up” operations after the retreat of Ethiopian government’s forces. They added that the Ethiopian forces have retreated from the regional capital of Mekelle and that the city was “100%” back in their grip. “Twenty-five minutes ago the active engagement in Mekelle was over,” Getachew Reda, spokesman for the Tigray People's Liberation Front, told Reuters on Tuesday. "Our forces are still in hot pursuit to the south, east”, Reda added. After eight months of fighting in the Tigray region, the government which ousted its former rulers declared a unilateral ceasefire. Reuters reported that Mekelle residents witnessed the return of rebel troops in the city for the first since they were driven out in November by the government forces. The conflict so far has killed thousands of people, displaced over 2 million and has pushed thousands into poverty. Over the last two days, reports came in of intense fighting between the forces of Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopia's government on Monday said it was declaring a ceasefire after a request from the interim regional administration in Tigray. Also read: Rebels enter Tigray capital, Ethiopia declares 'unilateral ceasefire' “This unilateral ceasefire declaration starts from today June 28, 2021 and will stay until the farming season ends," the Ethiopian government said in a statement late on Monday. The planting farming season in Ethiopia lasts from May to September. Ethiopia received support from Eritrea in the north and from Amhara in south. Both sent troops into Tigray in support of Prime Minister Abir Ahmed, whose government had accused the TPLF of attacking military bases in early November. Also read: Three MSF employees killed in Ethiopia's Tigray, aid agency says

Tigray's regional capital Mekelle now '100%' under control of rebel fighters: Report

Ethiopia's government has declared an immediate and unilateral cease-fire in its Tigray region as the rebels advanced on the local capital of Mekelle. The move has signaled a turning point in the nearly eight-month-long conflict between the federal government and the Tigray fighters.

Ethiopian government declares unilateral ceasefire in Tigray region

Three&nbsp;employees&nbsp;working for the Spanish branch of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by unknown assailants in&nbsp;Ethiopia's&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;region, the medical charity said&nbsp;on Friday.

MSF-Spain lost contact with a vehicle carrying the team on Thursday afternoon, it said&nbsp;in a statement. "This morning the vehicle was found empty and a few metres away, their lifeless bodies."

"We condemn this attack on our colleagues in the strongest possible terms and will be relentless in understanding what happened," the statement said.

It identified the victims as emergency coordinator Maria Hernandez, 35, from Madrid, assistant coordinator Yohannes Halefom Reda, 31, from Ethiopia, and their Ethiopian driver Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31.

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They are among at least 12&nbsp;aid&nbsp;workers reported&nbsp;killed&nbsp;since fighting broke out in November between&nbsp;Ethiopia's&nbsp;military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million.

Ethiopia's&nbsp;foreign ministry sent condolences via Twitter but said&nbsp;it had been urging&nbsp;aid&nbsp;agencies to secure military escorts in the area. The ministry said&nbsp;TPLF forces were active in the town of Abiy Addi where the attack occurred.&nbsp;MSF&nbsp;did not confirm the location.

A TPLF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Spain's foreign ministry said&nbsp;it was engaging with the&nbsp;aid&nbsp;agency&nbsp;and the Ethiopian government on the attack.

"A heartfelt hug to the family and colleagues of Maria ... who has been murdered in Ethiopia where she was helping the population," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter, also sending condolences to the families of Yohannes and Tedros.

The U.S. State Department called for an independent investigation of the killings and said&nbsp;the Ethiopian government "ultimately bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers."

Three employees working for the Spanish branch of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) were killed by unknown assailants in Ethiopia's Tigray region, the medical charity said on Friday.

Three employees working for the Spanish branch of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) were killed by unknown assailants in Ethiopia's Tigray region, the medical charity said on Friday. MSF-Spain lost contact with a vehicle carrying the team on Thursday afternoon, it said in a statement. "This morning the vehicle was found empty and a few metres away, their lifeless bodies." "We condemn this attack on our colleagues in the strongest possible terms and will be relentless in understanding what happened," the statement said. It identified the victims as emergency coordinator Maria Hernandez, 35, from Madrid, assistant coordinator Yohannes Halefom Reda, 31, from Ethiopia, and their Ethiopian driver Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31. Also Read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death They are among at least 12 aid workers reported killed since fighting broke out in November between Ethiopia's military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million. Ethiopia's foreign ministry sent condolences via Twitter but said it had been urging aid agencies to secure military escorts in the area. The ministry said TPLF forces were active in the town of Abiy Addi where the attack occurred. MSF did not confirm the location. A TPLF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. Spain's foreign ministry said it was engaging with the aid agency and the Ethiopian government on the attack. "A heartfelt hug to the family and colleagues of Maria ... who has been murdered in Ethiopia where she was helping the population," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter, also sending condolences to the families of Yohannes and Tedros. The U.S. State Department called for an independent investigation of the killings and said the Ethiopian government "ultimately bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers."

Three MSF employees killed in Ethiopia's Tigray, aid agency says

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland.

Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister.

The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. &nbsp;

"Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said.

"WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives."

Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO.

Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister.

Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes.

Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded.

The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland. Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister. The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. "Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said. "WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives." Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO. Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister. Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes. Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded. The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO chief says victims of Ethiopia airstrike denied access to care

At least 43 people were killed when an airstrike targeted a market in Ethiopia's war-torn northern district of Tigray.

Two injured survivors of the attack in the small town of Togoga described the incident to the media.

The airstrike took place on Tigray's 33rd Martyrs Day, which commemorates the Hawzen Massacre, which killed over 1,000 Tigrayans in a market in Hawzen near the end of the Ethiopian Civil War.&nbsp;

The bomb hit a market at around 1 pm. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eritrea-condemned-at-un-over-tigray-abuses-393035">Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses</a>

"We didn't see the plane, but we heard it," an eyewitness said. "When the explosion happened, everyone ran out. After a time we came back and were trying to pick up the injured."

Colonel Getnet Adane, an Ethiopian military spokesman, did not confirm or deny the incident. Airstrikes are a standard military technique, according to him, and government forces do not target civilians.&nbsp;

Requests for comments from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokesperson and the head of a government task team on Tigray were not returned.

The US State Department expressed concern over reports of civilian deaths in the market strike and urged Ethiopian authorities to ensure that all victims receive proper medical attention.&nbsp;

"We also call for an urgent and independent investigation, as well as remedial action, to hold those responsible for this attack accountable," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the reports of civilian casualties, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

"We have requested access to the area to assess the situation and see how we can assist," Dujarric said. "The situation in the area remains very, very volatile."

Hundreds of racially motivated attacks against civilians have been reported, including door-to-door executions and systematic rape of Tigrayans by the Eritrean military, according to several investigations.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's government has stated that the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which the government accuses of striking a military command post in 2020, bears sole responsibility for the conflict and resulting suffering in Tigray.&nbsp;

According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of malnourished children are at risk of dying in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray region, which is currently ravaged by famine.

At least 43 people were killed when an airstrike targeted a market in Ethiopia's war-torn northern district of Tigray. Two injured survivors of the attack in the small town of Togoga described the incident to the media.

At least 43 people were killed when an airstrike targeted a market in Ethiopia's war-torn northern district of Tigray. Two injured survivors of the attack in the small town of Togoga described the incident to the media. The airstrike took place on Tigray's 33rd Martyrs Day, which commemorates the Hawzen Massacre, which killed over 1,000 Tigrayans in a market in Hawzen near the end of the Ethiopian Civil War. The bomb hit a market at around 1 pm. Also read | Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses "We didn't see the plane, but we heard it," an eyewitness said. "When the explosion happened, everyone ran out. After a time we came back and were trying to pick up the injured." Colonel Getnet Adane, an Ethiopian military spokesman, did not confirm or deny the incident. Airstrikes are a standard military technique, according to him, and government forces do not target civilians. Requests for comments from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokesperson and the head of a government task team on Tigray were not returned. The US State Department expressed concern over reports of civilian deaths in the market strike and urged Ethiopian authorities to ensure that all victims receive proper medical attention. "We also call for an urgent and independent investigation, as well as remedial action, to hold those responsible for this attack accountable," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the reports of civilian casualties, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. "We have requested access to the area to assess the situation and see how we can assist," Dujarric said. "The situation in the area remains very, very volatile." Hundreds of racially motivated attacks against civilians have been reported, including door-to-door executions and systematic rape of Tigrayans by the Eritrean military, according to several investigations. Ethiopia's government has stated that the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which the government accuses of striking a military command post in 2020, bears sole responsibility for the conflict and resulting suffering in Tigray. According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of malnourished children are at risk of dying in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray region, which is currently ravaged by famine.

43 killed after airstrike hits the market in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray

At least 43 people were killed when an airstrike targeted a market in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region. The strike took place after residents said new fighting had flared in recent days north of the regional capital Mekelle.

At least 43 killed after airstrike hits the market in Ethiopia's Tigray region

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. 
 
Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. 
 
Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. 
 
Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and 'its impact on the safety and security of millions of people', the government statement said on Tuesday. 
 
In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the 'unilateral' filling of the dam 'which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security', the statement added. 
 
Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. 
 
Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate 'seriously' on an agreement, after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. 
 
Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. 
 
Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. 
 
Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. 
 
Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. 
 
Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. 
 
Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Sudan has formally asked the United Nations Security Council to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and 'its impact on the safety and security of millions of people', the government statement said on Tuesday. In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the 'unilateral' filling of the dam 'which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security', the statement added. Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate 'seriously' on an agreement, after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam

An airstrike killed dozens of people in the town of Togoga in&nbsp;Ethiopia's Tigray region, an eyewitness and a medical official told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after residents said new fighting had flared in recent days north of the regional capital Mekelle.

The bomb hit a market at around 1 pm on Tuesday, according to a woman who said her husband and 2-year-old daughter were injured in the strike.

"We didn't see the plane but we heard it," she said. "When the explosion happened, everyone ran out – after a time we came back and were trying to pick up the injured."

A medical official said dozens had been killed, citing witnesses and first responders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eritrea-condemned-at-un-over-tigray-abuses-393035">Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses</a>

Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane did not confirm or deny the incident. He said airstrikes were a common military tactic and the force does not target civilians.

Three other health workers told Reuters that the&nbsp;Ethiopian military was blocking ambulances from reaching the scene.

One medical worker said around 20 health workers in six ambulances had tried to reach the wounded but soldiers stopped them at a checkpoint.

"They told us we couldn’t go to Togoga. We stayed more than one hour at the checkpoint trying to negotiate, we had a letter from the health bureau - we showed them. But they said it was an order."

Getnet denied the military was blocking ambulances.

An airstrike killed dozens of people in the town of Togoga in Ethiopia's Tigray region, an eyewitness and a medical official told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after residents said new fighting had flared in recent days north of the regional capital Mekelle.

An airstrike killed dozens of people in the town of Togoga in Ethiopia's Tigray region, an eyewitness and a medical official told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after residents said new fighting had flared in recent days north of the regional capital Mekelle. The bomb hit a market at around 1 pm on Tuesday, according to a woman who said her husband and 2-year-old daughter were injured in the strike. "We didn't see the plane but we heard it," she said. "When the explosion happened, everyone ran out – after a time we came back and were trying to pick up the injured." A medical official said dozens had been killed, citing witnesses and first responders. Also read | Eritrea condemned at UN over Tigray abuses Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane did not confirm or deny the incident. He said airstrikes were a common military tactic and the force does not target civilians. Three other health workers told Reuters that the Ethiopian military was blocking ambulances from reaching the scene. One medical worker said around 20 health workers in six ambulances had tried to reach the wounded but soldiers stopped them at a checkpoint. "They told us we couldn’t go to Togoga. We stayed more than one hour at the checkpoint trying to negotiate, we had a letter from the health bureau - we showed them. But they said it was an order." Getnet denied the military was blocking ambulances.

Witness: Air strike kills dozens in Ethiopia's Tigray region

Vote counting is underway in Ethiopia following the delayed parliamentary elections. Africa’s second-most populous country went to the polls on Monday but an opposition boycott, a months-long war in Tigray, along with the logistical challenges overshadowed the votes in some regions.

Fresh clashes erupt in Tigray as vote count continues

Sudan&nbsp;asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries - Egypt and&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;- are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat.&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations.

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and "its impact on the safety and security of millions of people", the government statement said.

In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the "unilateral" filling of the dam "which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security", the statement added.

Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual</a>

Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate "seriously" on an agreement after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene.

Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt.

Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said.

Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal.

Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it.

Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;to involve mediators outside the African Union.

Sudan&nbsp;said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions.

Sudan asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said.

Sudan asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to meet and discuss a dispute over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, a government statement said. Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while the two downstream countries - Egypt and Sudan - are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90% of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the Security Council to hold a session as soon as possible to discuss GERD and "its impact on the safety and security of millions of people", the government statement said. In a letter to the council head, she called on him to urge Ethiopia to stop the "unilateral" filling of the dam "which exacerbates the dispute and poses a threat to regional and international peace and security", the statement added. Ethiopian officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Sudan and Egypt had already agreed this month to work together on all levels to push Ethiopia to negotiate "seriously" on an agreement after African Union-sponsored talks remained deadlocked. The two countries called on the international community to intervene. Earlier this month, Arab states called on the Security Council to discuss the dispute and Ethiopia's plans to go ahead with the second filling of the dam this summer even without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt. Ethiopia rejected the Arab League resolution in its entirety, its Foreign Ministry said. Arab League envoy to the UN, Maged Abdel Fattah, said on Tuesday evening that Sudan and Egypt are working on a draft resolution to the Security Council on GERD if Ethiopia doesn't reach a deal. Arab states will lobby for the draft resolution to be approved, he told the Egyptian private TV channel Sada Elbalad, adding that he doesn't expect world powers to block it. Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union. Sudan said earlier in June that it was open to a partial interim agreement on the multibillion-dollar dam, with specific conditions.

Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's Blue Nile dam

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