China says that the Ethiopian government is capable of managing the Tigray conflict. During the latest visit, China's foreign minister's Wang Yi pledged to help the Ethiopian government and also aim at strengthening ties.

China bats for Abiy Ahmed's government, says Ethiopia capable of handling Tigray conflict

During his latest visit to the war-torn country, the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi pledged support saying that the Ethiopian government is capable of managing the Tigray conflict.

China says Ethiopia capable of handling Tigray conflict

One week after vowing to lead military operations at the front, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has claimed victory over Tigrayan rebels and has urged them to ‘surrender’.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed claims war gains, urges TPLF rebels to ‘surrender’

Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed is headed to frontlines to direct the war effort, this comes two days after the PM had announce his willingness to lead his countries soldiers on the frontline against the advancing rebel fighters.

Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict: PM Abiy Ahmed vows to head to the frontlines | Latest English News

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will be leading his army “from the battlefront”, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader decided to direct the war as the rebel Tigray forces moved closer to the capital Addis Ababa.

Earlier this month, his government declared a state of emergency.

“This is a time when leading a country with martyrdom is needed," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement posted on social media Monday night.

An estimated tens of thousands of people have been killed in the war between Ethiopian and allied forces and fighters from the country's northern Tigray region, who long dominated the national government before Abiy took office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-temporarily-suspends-trends-feature-in-ethiopia-over-fear-of-violence-427199">Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence</a>

The United States and others have warned that Africa's second-most populous country could fracture and destabilise the Horn of Africa.

Last month, Tigrayan forces and their allies threatened to march on Addis Ababa. They have also been fighting fiercely to try to cut a transport corridor linking landlocked Ethiopia with the region's main port Djibouti.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-state-of-emergency-with-over-1000-arrested-in-just-two-weeks-un-raises-alarm-429902">Ethiopia state of emergency: With over 1000 arrested in just two weeks, UN raises alarm</a>

On Tuesday, US Special Envoy Jeffrey Feltman said the Ethiopian military and regional militias had been able to hold back Tigrayan attempts to cut the corridor, but Tigrayan forces had been able to move south towards the capital.

Abiy was awarded the Nobel for making peace with neighbouring Eritrea, on whose border he fought while stationed in the Tigray region.

Eritrean soldiers have been blamed for some of the worst atrocities in the war, even as Abiy denied for months that they were inside Tigray.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will be leading his army “from the battlefront”, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader decided to direct the war as the rebel Tigray forces moved closer to the capital Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will be leading his army “from the battlefront”, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader decided to direct the war as the rebel Tigray forces moved closer to the capital Addis Ababa. Earlier this month, his government declared a state of emergency. “This is a time when leading a country with martyrdom is needed," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement posted on social media Monday night. An estimated tens of thousands of people have been killed in the war between Ethiopian and allied forces and fighters from the country's northern Tigray region, who long dominated the national government before Abiy took office. Also read | Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence The United States and others have warned that Africa's second-most populous country could fracture and destabilise the Horn of Africa. Last month, Tigrayan forces and their allies threatened to march on Addis Ababa. They have also been fighting fiercely to try to cut a transport corridor linking landlocked Ethiopia with the region's main port Djibouti. Also read | Ethiopia state of emergency: With over 1000 arrested in just two weeks, UN raises alarm On Tuesday, US Special Envoy Jeffrey Feltman said the Ethiopian military and regional militias had been able to hold back Tigrayan attempts to cut the corridor, but Tigrayan forces had been able to move south towards the capital. Abiy was awarded the Nobel for making peace with neighbouring Eritrea, on whose border he fought while stationed in the Tigray region. Eritrean soldiers have been blamed for some of the worst atrocities in the war, even as Abiy denied for months that they were inside Tigray. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia’s PM says he will lead army ‘from battlefront’ as Tigray forces march towards capital

The fighting in the Ethiopia Tigray conflict has reached the country's capital Addis-Ababa. The US envoy has said that any progress towards the diplomatic settlement was at risk of being overshadowed by the alarming developments on the ground.

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Prime Minister vows to go to frontline to lead battle

Ethiopia: Tigray rebels capture town just 200km from capital

Tigrayan forces in Ethiopia continue to seize key cities on their way to the capital city of Addis Ababa. Experts state that the forces are poised to seize the country's main trade route known as the Djibouti corridor.

Ethiopia: Tigrayan forces may seize Djibouti corridor

Abiy Ahmed's government is locked in a year-long war with the Tigrayan people's liberation front (TPLF). Ethiopia has now outlined conditions for possible talks with rebels from the country's war-hit Tigray region.

Escalation of Tigray crisis, Ethiopia sets out terms of possible attacks

Ethiopian authorities have now rounded up high-profile Tigrayans in a mass crackdown on suspected supporters of rebellious northern forces. From a bank CEO to priests and the United Nations staff, everyone was targeted in the crackdown.&nbsp;

The police denied targeting the Tigrayan ethnic group as they said that those arrested were believed to have links to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

The crackdown comes following reports of TPLF and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels reaching near Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

The fighters were reportedly spotted in Kemise town which is 325 km from Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absolutely-ridiculous-rebels-in-ethiopia-play-down-reports-of-causing-bloodbath-427500">Also read |&nbsp;'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath'</a>

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize two years ago, had sent troops to Tigray late last year to overpower the TPLF which was the ruling party in the region. However, the group struck back in June retaking several areas in Tigray.

The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-departure-of-non-essential-employees-from-ethiopia-as-war-intensifies-427239">Also read |&nbsp;US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies</a>

The Biden administration has said that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end."

The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian authorities have now rounded up high-profile Tigrayans in a mass crackdown on suspected supporters of rebellious northern forces. From a bank CEO to priests and the United Nations staff, everyone was targeted in the crackdown.

Ethiopian authorities have now rounded up high-profile Tigrayans in a mass crackdown on suspected supporters of rebellious northern forces. From a bank CEO to priests and the United Nations staff, everyone was targeted in the crackdown. The police denied targeting the Tigrayan ethnic group as they said that those arrested were believed to have links to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The crackdown comes following reports of TPLF and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels reaching near Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The fighters were reportedly spotted in Kemise town which is 325 km from Addis Ababa. Also read | 'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath' Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize two years ago, had sent troops to Tigray late last year to overpower the TPLF which was the ruling party in the region. However, the group struck back in June retaking several areas in Tigray. The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. Also read | US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies The Biden administration has said that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian authorities round up high-profile Tigrayans, including bank CEOs and UN staff

Amid raging unrest and reports of widespread arrests of ethnic Tigrayans in Ethiopia16 united nations staff and dependants have been detained in the capital. Here's a report.

16 united nations staff and dependants detained in Ethiopian capital

Reports say Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels have reached near Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The fighters were reportedly spotted in Kemise town which is 325 km from Addis Ababa.&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who had won the Nobel Prize two years ago had sent troops to Tigray late last year to overpower the TPLF which was the ruling party in the region, however, the group struck back in June retaking several areas in Tigray.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absolutely-ridiculous-rebels-in-ethiopia-play-down-reports-of-causing-bloodbath-427500">Also Read:&nbsp;Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath'</a>

TPLF had claimed that it had seized two strategic cities in Amhara region amid fighting with government troops.

PM Abiy Ahmed had declared a state of emergency while declaring that his forces were&nbsp;involved in an "existential war" with the rebel forces. The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) had&nbsp;called for a ceasefire amid heavy&nbsp;fighting.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ethiopian govt vows to fight on in 'existential war'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopian-govt-vows-to-fight-on-in-existential-war-427228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Feltman, US special envoy arrived back in Ethiopia in a bid to open negotiations as he met African Union's former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.

The US has ordered non-essential staff to leave the country amid renewed fighting. European nations Demark and Italy also urged citizens to leave as Tigrayan forces continued their advance to the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joint-un-ethiopia-rights-team-all-sides-committed-abuses-in-tigray-426477">Also Read:&nbsp;Joint UN, Ethiopia rights team: all sides committed abuses in Tigray</a>

The US embassy warned that the "situation may escalate further and may cause supply chain shortages, communications blackouts and travel disruptions".

The conflict has claimed thousands of lives with many displaced as the country faces famine-like conditions.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels have reached near Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The fighters were reportedly spotted in Kemise town which is 325 km from Addis Ababa.

Reports say Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebels have reached near Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The fighters were reportedly spotted in Kemise town which is 325 km from Addis Ababa. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who had won the Nobel Prize two years ago had sent troops to Tigray late last year to overpower the TPLF which was the ruling party in the region, however, the group struck back in June retaking several areas in Tigray. Also Read: Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath' TPLF had claimed that it had seized two strategic cities in Amhara region amid fighting with government troops. PM Abiy Ahmed had declared a state of emergency while declaring that his forces were involved in an "existential war" with the rebel forces. The United Nations Security Council(UNSC) had called for a ceasefire amid heavy fighting. Watch: Ethiopian govt vows to fight on in 'existential war' Meanwhile, Jeffrey Feltman, US special envoy arrived back in Ethiopia in a bid to open negotiations as he met African Union's former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. The US has ordered non-essential staff to leave the country amid renewed fighting. European nations Demark and Italy also urged citizens to leave as Tigrayan forces continued their advance to the capital. Also Read: Joint UN, Ethiopia rights team: all sides committed abuses in Tigray The US embassy warned that the "situation may escalate further and may cause supply chain shortages, communications blackouts and travel disruptions". The conflict has claimed thousands of lives with many displaced as the country faces famine-like conditions. (With inputs from Agencies)

TPLF rebels enter town near Ethiopian capital: Report

Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region.&nbsp;

The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

Fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and their allies have claimed several victories in recent weeks. They have captured towns some 400 kilometres from the capital.

"The story that the population in Addis is vehemently opposed to us is absolutely overstated," TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda told AFP.

"Addis is a melting pot. People with all kinds of interests live in Addis. The claim that Addis will turn into a bloodbath if we enter Addis is absolutely ridiculous."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-departure-of-non-essential-employees-from-ethiopia-as-war-intensifies-427239">Also read |&nbsp;US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies</a>

Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out.

The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The US embassy allowed its staff in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting.&nbsp;

The Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end."

The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region.

Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region. The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa. Fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and their allies have claimed several victories in recent weeks. They have captured towns some 400 kilometres from the capital. "The story that the population in Addis is vehemently opposed to us is absolutely overstated," TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda told AFP. "Addis is a melting pot. People with all kinds of interests live in Addis. The claim that Addis will turn into a bloodbath if we enter Addis is absolutely ridiculous." Also read | US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out. The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The US embassy allowed its staff in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting. The Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath'

The United States said that it has ordered the departure of its non-essential employees from Ethiopia, as the war intensifies. "The Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members from Ethiopia", the State Department said as it issued a new travel advisory.

The United States said that it has ordered the departure of its non-essential employees from Ethiopia, as the war intensifies. "The Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and their family members from Ethiopia", the State Department said as it issued a new travel advisory. Earlier, the US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The US embassy allowed its staff in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting. The Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. Also read | Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) claimed it had reached near Addis Ababa. The government described it as an "existential war". Even the EU and African nations called on both sides to come to the negotiating table. Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government forces for a year intending to topple the government. The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions. The fighting reached its peak in the past few months when Ethiopia's military reportedly used fighter jets and armed drones against the TPLF even as it gained strategic areas in the region. (With input from agencies)

US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies

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

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

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

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

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

Ethiopia heads towards civil war, Tigray forces advance further south

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) claimed it had reached near Addis Ababa as the government described&nbsp;it as an "existential war".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joint-un-ethiopia-rights-team-all-sides-committed-abuses-in-tigray-426477">Also Read |&nbsp;Joint UN, Ethiopia rights team: all sides committed abuses in Tigray</a>

As the TPLF said it had made gains, the government claimed it had encircled the rebel groups. Amid the conflict, the EU and&nbsp;African nations called on both sides to come to the negotiating table.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced that he had spoken to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in an attempt to help ensure peace. However, neither side has reportedly made any gesture to halt the fighting.

The US embassy allowed its staff in&nbsp;Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting as the Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigrayan-forces-say-they-have-taken-town-in-ethiopias-amhara-region-government-denies-425360">Also Read|&nbsp;Tigrayan forces say they have taken town in Ethiopia's Amhara region, government denies</a>

Tigray has been facing famine due to a blockade amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Reports say there is a shortage of medicine, fuel and other supplies as aid is not being allowed inside the region.

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government forces for a year and is seeking to topple the government. Abiy who had won the Nobel Prize two years ago&nbsp;has said he is determined to fight the TPLF.

The fighting has escalated in the past few months as Ethiopia's military reportedly used fighter jets and armed drones against the TPLF even as it gained strategic areas in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) claimed it had reached near Addis Ababa as the government described it as an "existential war".

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) claimed it had reached near Addis Ababa as the government described it as an "existential war". Also Read | Joint UN, Ethiopia rights team: all sides committed abuses in Tigray As the TPLF said it had made gains, the government claimed it had encircled the rebel groups. Amid the conflict, the EU and African nations called on both sides to come to the negotiating table. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres announced that he had spoken to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in an attempt to help ensure peace. However, neither side has reportedly made any gesture to halt the fighting. The US embassy allowed its staff in Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting as the Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. Also Read| Tigrayan forces say they have taken town in Ethiopia's Amhara region, government denies Tigray has been facing famine due to a blockade amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Reports say there is a shortage of medicine, fuel and other supplies as aid is not being allowed inside the region. Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government forces for a year and is seeking to topple the government. Abiy who had won the Nobel Prize two years ago has said he is determined to fight the TPLF. The fighting has escalated in the past few months as Ethiopia's military reportedly used fighter jets and armed drones against the TPLF even as it gained strategic areas in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian government forces, TPLF engage in heavy fighting amid ceasefire calls

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

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

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

Ethiopia declares state of emergency as TLPF rebels gain ground

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

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

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

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

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

Ethiopia faces nationwide emergency as TLPF rebels make way toward capital

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

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

Children suffering from severe malnourishment in Ethiopia's Tigray province are being treated in hospital as the world's worst hunger crisis in a decade devastates the region.

Malnourished children in hospital as hunger grips Tigray

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

Captured Ethiopian government soldiers roll down the streets in Tigray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ethiopia launches new air strikes in Tigray

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

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

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

Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis

Tensions have escalated in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region as Ethiopian troops and their allies wage war against the rebels.

Tensions escalate in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region

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

Gravitas: Ethiopia expels 7 United Nations officials

Germany is seeking support from other European Union members to ensure a second term for Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the helm of the World Health Organisation, but African states have yet to show their cards, government sources and diplomats said on Wednesday.

The deadline for proposing candidates in the politically charged race is Thursday at 1600 GMT and no other candidate for the election in May is known to have surfaced, they said.

Tedros, who was elected as WHO's first African director-general in May 2017, has been shunned this time by his native Ethiopia due to friction over the Tigray conflict.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn backed a second term for Tedros on Tuesday and called on other countries to support the former Ethiopian health and foreign minister ahead of the deadline.

Government sources in Berlin made clear to Reuters on Wednesday it was now an official nomination.

"Right now an effort is going on, led by Germany, looking for other member states to join Germany in nominating him," a Western diplomat said. "Germany won't be alone."

Tedros, who has been the public face of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has trodden a fine line while managing to anger both China and the United States at different times.

The Trump administration accused him of being "China-centric", a charge he denies. But relations have improved since President Joe Biden took office and Tedros said in July that a second phase of studies into the origins of the coronavirus in China were needed, including audits of laboratories.

One African diplomat at the African Union said that, a day ahead of the deadline, the appointment of the new head of the WHO had not been discussed among member countries.

An African ambassador in Addis Ababa said that he was not aware of any member of the African Union preparing an alternative candidate. Most regional countries are keen to see him stay in the job, where he has promoted their access to COVID-19 vaccines and the start of vaccine production on the continent, he said.

A senior African diplomat based in Geneva said he did not expect any country in the African group to nominate Tedros as he did not enjoy Ethiopia's backing.

African countries are expected to support Tedros' re-election, however, and the senior diplomat was not aware of any other candidates from Africa or from another region.

"As a regional group it is always difficult when the home country doesn't support its own national. It would be complicated for an African country other than his country of origin to take the initiative," he told Reuters.

Germany is seeking support from other European Union members to ensure a second term for Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the helm of the World Health Organisation, but African states have yet to show their cards, government sources and diplomats said on Wednesday.

Germany is seeking support from other European Union members to ensure a second term for Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the helm of the World Health Organisation, but African states have yet to show their cards, government sources and diplomats said on Wednesday. The deadline for proposing candidates in the politically charged race is Thursday at 1600 GMT and no other candidate for the election in May is known to have surfaced, they said. Tedros, who was elected as WHO's first African director-general in May 2017, has been shunned this time by his native Ethiopia due to friction over the Tigray conflict. German Health Minister Jens Spahn backed a second term for Tedros on Tuesday and called on other countries to support the former Ethiopian health and foreign minister ahead of the deadline. Government sources in Berlin made clear to Reuters on Wednesday it was now an official nomination. "Right now an effort is going on, led by Germany, looking for other member states to join Germany in nominating him," a Western diplomat said. "Germany won't be alone." Tedros, who has been the public face of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has trodden a fine line while managing to anger both China and the United States at different times. The Trump administration accused him of being "China-centric", a charge he denies. But relations have improved since President Joe Biden took office and Tedros said in July that a second phase of studies into the origins of the coronavirus in China were needed, including audits of laboratories. One African diplomat at the African Union said that, a day ahead of the deadline, the appointment of the new head of the WHO had not been discussed among member countries. An African ambassador in Addis Ababa said that he was not aware of any member of the African Union preparing an alternative candidate. Most regional countries are keen to see him stay in the job, where he has promoted their access to COVID-19 vaccines and the start of vaccine production on the continent, he said. A senior African diplomat based in Geneva said he did not expect any country in the African group to nominate Tedros as he did not enjoy Ethiopia's backing. African countries are expected to support Tedros' re-election, however, and the senior diplomat was not aware of any other candidates from Africa or from another region. "As a regional group it is always difficult when the home country doesn't support its own national. It would be complicated for an African country other than his country of origin to take the initiative," he told Reuters.

Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats

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