Mr. Türk expressed concern over the instability following recent clashes between the Ethiopian army and regional forces, worrying about the potential worsening of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the region.
This development follows a deadly conflict from 2020 to 2022 in Tigray between the Government and separatist forces, amid rising tensions between national and regional authorities.
The conflict reportedly involving Eritrean soldiers resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over two million civilians, with one million still internally displaced.
Intensifying fighting
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that clashes intensified between the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) and the Tigray Security Forces (TSF) on 26 January, near the Amhara border. The TSF withdrew from the Tselemti area on 1 February.
Mr. Türk highlighted that both sides used drones, artillery, and other weapons, trapping civilians in the escalating conflict and noted arrests by both TSF and ENDF for perceived affiliations with the opposing side, urging them to cease such actions.
In Tigray’s south and southeast near the Afar border, clashes between TSF and the rival “Tigray Peace Forces” continue, prompting the High Commissioner to urge both sides to pursue political resolutions and investigate alleged violations independently.
Dire consequences
Ravina Shamdasani, the High Commissioner’s spokesperson in Geneva, warned that new clashes could erupt anytime, impacting civilians severely. She emphasized the need for all parties to honor the 2022 Pretoria Agreement to end hostilities.
Ms. Shamdasani stressed the importance of returning internally displaced people to their homes as per the agreement, noting it has not progressed as planned.
The High Commissioner cautioned that recent tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could worsen the human rights and humanitarian issues in the region and the Horn of Africa.
Reports indicate the presence of Eritrean troops and heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly over the Tigray situation, prompting calls for political dialogue instead of violence.
Ms. Shamdasani highlighted the need to avoid repeating the full-blown conflict of 2020 and 2021 in Tigray, which resulted in an unknown number of deaths.
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