UN rights chief warns that renewed Ethiopian fighting endangers civilians
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the recent surge in combat in Ethiopia threatens civilians and warned of worsening communications blackouts.
On September 25, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned that the intensifying conflict in Ethiopia poses a grave risk to civilian populations. The Tigray People’s one outlet Front seized local airports and launched attacks into the neighboring Afar and Amhara regions, declaring a return to full-scale war with the federal government. Turk highlighted reports of Ethiopian National Defence Force airstrikes, including drone strikes on five Tigray schools on September 22 and a mortar attack in Kobo town on September 23 that killed civilians.
He called for an immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians, and unrestricted humanitarian access. Turk also criticized the almost complete disruption of telecommunications, recalling the devastating blockade during the 2020-22 war, and condemned forced recruitment of civilians, including children, by both TPLF and government forces.
Why it matters
Escalating fighting in Ethiopia threatens civilian lives and hampers humanitarian aid, risking a repeat of the deadly 2020-22 war.
How this story developed
- Sep 18 Around 300 Tigray fighters surrender as tensions rise along the Tekeze corridor
- Sep 23 Ethiopian Airlines posted a flight suspension following the reported airport seizure.
- Sep 25 Federal forces and TPLF fighters clashed in Afar while a telecom blackout hit Tigray.
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