UN chief urges restraint over fighting in northern Ethiopia — Anadolu Agency

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern over the rapid deterioration of the situation in northern Ethiopia, including reports of the seizure and holding of three airports in the Tigray region. This was reported by Anadolu Agency, citing a statement by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

Airports in Tigray

According to the UN, the airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire are involved. As Dujarric noted, they were reportedly seized amid intensified fighting in and around Tigray. The statement also said that hostilities are spreading to neighboring areas.

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Call for de-escalation

Guterres called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately reduce tensions and protect civilians. He also stressed the need to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to people in need of assistance and to avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more destructive conflict.

The UN chief reaffirmed support for African Union efforts to ease tensions and bring the parties back to the negotiating table, including with the participation of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Guterres also called for good-faith negotiations to resume within the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.