UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 — The world body remains gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of the security situation in northern Ethiopia and the expansion of the fighting along multiple fronts, said a UN spokesperson on Friday.
“We are particularly troubled by reports of the use of drones, as well as incidents of harm to civilians,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“Once again, we urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and address their differences through dialogue. The secretary-general is following developments closely and continues to engage on this issue with leaders in New York, all in support of de-escalation and dialogue,” said the spokesman.
The UN secretary-general’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, is engaging with national and regional interlocutors and is coordinating closely with partners, in a bid to support the resumption of dialogue and help advance a broader process toward sustainable peace and stability, said the spokesman.
UN humanitarians said that increasing hostilities in northern Ethiopia risk adding to already substantial humanitarian needs, including for people displaced by the previous Tigray conflict.
The area impacted is also experiencing below-average rainfall linked to the ongoing El Nino event, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
It said the United Nations and its partners continue regular humanitarian operations where security allows in Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions, assessing emerging needs and developing plans to respond to those impacted by the fighting. Road closures in some areas have paused or displaced planned humanitarian movements.
The office said that a drone strike in northwestern Tigray on Sunday hit a truck carrying critical food assistance for internally displaced people. Armed groups have seized humanitarian vehicles and other assets, particularly in parts of Amhara.
OCHA said its partners also report major disruptions to phone and internet service in Tigray, which also constrain humanitarian operations.
“All parties must ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need,” the office said. “Humanitarian workers must be protected at all times.”(Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
