United Nations warns of escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia

The United Nations has expressed grave concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in northern Ethiopia as fighting expands across multiple fronts. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated the organization is “particularly troubled by reports of the use of drones, as well as incidents of harm to civilians.”

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is engaging with international leaders to support de-escalation and dialogue. The UN’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, is currently coordinating with regional partners, including the African Union and IGAD, to encourage a resumption of dialogue under the 2022 peace accord.

The escalation threatens to exacerbate an existing humanitarian crisis in the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that hostilities risk increasing the needs of populations already displaced by previous conflicts. Humanitarian efforts are further complicated by below-average rainfall due to El Nino, road closures, and reports of armed groups seizing humanitarian assets. Additionally, a drone strike in northwestern Tigray reportedly hit a truck carrying critical food assistance for internally displaced persons.