The United States (U.S.) has expressed strong support for the moves by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to mediate between the government and the Tigray rebel forces in a bid to halt the ongoing civil strife in Ethiopia.
U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Wednesday spoke with President Obasanjo, who is the African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa on the urgent need for a halt to all military operations, negotiations on a cessation of hostilities without preconditions, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Secretary Blinken expressed concern that the bellicose rhetoric on all sides of the conflict risks fueling inter-communal violence.
He offered his appreciation for Obasanjo’s continued work to find a sustainable peace for all Ethiopians.
Fighters from Ethiopia’s Northern region of Tigray and their allies are pressing South toward the capital, Addis Ababa, after driving government troops from Tigray in June.
After a year of conflict that has left thousands dead, forced more than two million people from their homes and pushed parts of the country into famine, the tide of the civil war in Ethiopia has shifted heavily in favour of the rebel forces.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson to the U.S. Secretary of State, Ned Price: “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo today (Wednesday). Secretary Blinken expressed the strong support of the United States for President Obasanjo’s efforts to mediate among the parties to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia.
“The Secretary and President Obasanjo discussed the urgent need for a halt to all military operations, negotiations on a cessation of hostilities without preconditions, and unhindered humanitarian access. The Secretary expressed his concern that the bellicose rhetoric on all sides of the conflict risks fueling intercommunal violence.”
