Ethiopia: new American pressure in the face of the situation in Tigray
Women mourn the victims of a "massacre" attributed to Eritrean soldiers in the village of Dengolat, north of Mekele, the capital of Tigray, on February 26, 2021. AFP - EDUARDO SOTERAS
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US pressure is increasing on Ethiopia over the war in Tigray.
While several investigations and testimonies have recently reported atrocities, massacres and human rights abuses, the United States once again calls on the Ethiopian government to cease hostilities in the country's northern province.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls for a regional response to resolve the conflict.
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With our correspondent in Addis Ababa
,
Noé Hochet-Bodin
The new Biden administration has been ramping up warnings for Addis Ababa in recent weeks.
Ten days ago, she confirmed the suspension of just under $ 300 million in aid due to the political situation in the country.
In a statement on Saturday, Antony Blinken recalled his previous demands: cessation of hostilities, facilitation of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray.
But the new Secretary of State dwells on "
extremely serious violations of human rights
"
,
"
summary executions
"
,
"
rapes
".
The United States is gravely concerned by reports of atrocities in Ethiopia's Tigray region.
We strongly condemn the killings, forced removals, sexual violence, and other violations of human rights.
The international community must work together to prevent further atrocities.
- Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 28, 2021
Indeed, since the publication of several surveys, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the international community is concerned about large-scale massacres in the province.
New, however, Antony Blinken asks the African Union to engage with the United States for a resolution of the conflict.
The continental organization has been silent since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed rejected his attempt at mediation at the end of November.
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Ethiopia
United States
Abiy Ahmed