A coalition of human rights organizations has warned that ongoing conflict between the rebels and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) could lead to a repeat of atrocities committed during the country’s 2020–2022 war.
In a letter released on Thursday, the coalition called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to convene a special session on Ethiopia and to urgently address the human rights consequences of the renewed conflict and take measures to prevent further violations.
The coalition urged the Council to urgently address the human rights consequences of the renewed conflict and take measures to prevent further violations. They called for those “perpetrating, ordering, or facilitating violations” to be held accountable. The coalition, coordinated by DefendDefenders, said fighting has resumed on a large scale in Tigray and spread into neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, while conflicts continue in Amhara and Oromia regions.
The letter also cited the emergence of an alliance of seven regional armed groups seeking to remove the federal government, warning that the developments could have wider destabilizing consequences across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region. “The significant escalation means that the 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement has collapsed,” the organizations said, while warning of mounting risks to civilians.
The renewed fighting is taking place against an already severe humanitarian crisis, while civic space in Ethiopia remains heavily restricted, according to the organizations. The organizations further warned that the absence of accountability for serious violations committed during the previous war is increasing the risk of renewed atrocities.
MG/abj/APA