ADDIS ABABA – The Embassy of France in Ethiopia and to the African Union has issued an official statement expressing deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security landscape in Northern Ethiopia and the Tigray region.
France specifically condemned the seizure of the Mekelle, Axum, and Shire airports by forces belonging to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The embassy also denounced attacks carried out by the TPLF against the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, warning that avoiding a wider regional escalation is vital for stability. Calling on all involved parties to exercise the utmost restraint, Paris emphasized the urgent need to spare civilian populations from further harm.
Reaffirming its commitment to International Humanitarian Law, France reminded all combatants of their strict obligations regarding civilian protection and unhindered humanitarian access. The official statement underlined that obstructing, diverting, or launching attacks against humanitarian aid operations remains completely unacceptable.
France declared its determination to support a credible path toward easing regional tensions, reaffirming full backing for the mediation process led by the African Union and its High Representative, Olusegun Obasanjo. Paris urged all sides to re-engage constructively with the mediation mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and restore lasting security across Northern Ethiopia.
