The United States has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and expanding scope of combat operations in Ethiopia. Through its embassy in Addis Ababa, it has announced the decision to evacuate non-essential staff and their families due to the intensifying conflict.
Specifically, the U.S. embassy in Addis Ababa disclosed on Thursday that it has decided to evacuate non-essential employees and their families due to the rising conflict in Ethiopia. Previously, the U.S. had warned its citizens against traveling to Ethiopia and urged them to prepare for departure amid worsening security conditions.
The announcement from the U.S. embassy in Ethiopia came after Washington renewed its call for all parties involved in the conflict to cease military operations and initiate dialogue for a ceasefire, according to the U.S. Department of State. The department further stated that U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman will be discussing the situation with the Ethiopian government during his visit to Ethiopia today.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed vowed on Wednesday to fight against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), committing to defend the country amidst reports of the region’s forces advancing towards the capital, Addis Ababa.
Abiy Ahmed stated, "We will bury the enemies with our blood," referring to the Tigray rebels, during the anniversary of the military campaign he initiated against them. He added, "The pit that has been dug will be very deep, and it will be where enemies are buried, not where Ethiopia disintegrates. We will bury this enemy with our blood and bones and will elevate the glory of Ethiopia again," according to Reuters.
These remarks from Abiy Ahmed followed a declaration of a state of emergency in the country and came after rebels in Tigray indicated they would advance toward Addis Ababa. A minute of silence was observed during a candlelight vigil to commemorate the victims of November 3, 2020, when forces loyal to the TPLF seized military bases in a northern region of Ethiopia, prompting Abiy Ahmed to send additional troops to the area.
The Ethiopian government imposed a state of emergency on Monday after the TPLF claimed to have captured several towns in recent days and stated that it could march on the capital located 380 kilometers to the south of their advanced positions. The six-month emergency will allow the government to direct adult citizens to undergo military training and accept military duties.
Amid mutual threats and preparations for confrontation, a joint investigation by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Ethiopia revealed "extreme brutality" dominating the year-long conflict in Tigray, pointing to the potential commission of crimes against humanity by all warring parties. The regional representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for East Africa, Marcel Akpovo, noted, "We already have reasonable grounds to believe that during this period, all parties to the Tigray conflict have committed violations of international law, humanitarian law, and refugee law to varying degrees."
