ADDIS ABABA – In official diplomatic communications, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have issued strong, parallel calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities following a sharp resurgence of military operations across Northern Ethiopia.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed grave concern over escalating hostilities in southern Tigray and the Afar Region, as well as the military takeover of airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigrayan forces. The AU Chairperson emphasized that seizing civilian infrastructure and disrupting commercial air travel directly contradicts obligations established under the November 2022 Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Youssouf urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately halt actions that fuel escalation, and re-engage in direct talks under the mediation of AU High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo. The AU also appealed to neighboring countries to refrain from interventions that could worsen regional instability.
Simultaneously, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu sounded the alarm over the renewed fighting, warning that a return to widespread conflict poses catastrophic risks for Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa. IGAD underscored that the Pretoria Agreement remains the sole legitimate framework for resolving outstanding political and territorial grievances.
Calling on both federal authorities and regional forces to prioritize civilian protection and halt provocative military maneuvers, IGAD urged the parties to immediately return to direct dialogue to prevent the total dismantling of hard-won peace gains.
