The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, is following with deep concern the escalating tensions between local communities in the contested areas of northern Ethiopia, including Raya Alamata, Zata and Ofla.

The Chairperson calls on both sides to urgently halt hostilities and ensure the safety of civilians to end the renewed displacement of the local population. He appeals for the respect and full implementation of the Agreement for Lasting Peace Through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities (COHA), signed between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 2 November 2022, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Furthermore, the Chairperson calls for the commencement of the political dialogue, which is the most viable means to respond to the issues of contested areas, as stipulated in the COHA.

The Chairperson reiterates the continued commitment of the African Union to accompany the Government and people of Ethiopia and calls on the relevant Department of the Commission to undertake all appropriate measure in this regard.