Vatican City: Pope Francis Sunday called for greater diplomatic efforts to end conflict in ethiopia, as rebels fighting the government threatened to advance into the capital city.
The pontiff said he was following the news from Ethiopia “with concern”, “shaken by a conflict that has been going on for more than a year, and which has caused many victims and a grave humanitarian crisis“.
“I renew my appeal that brotherhood And may a peaceful course of dialogue prevail,” he told the believers gathered for the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
Nine rebel groups said on Friday they would join a coalition built around the Tigre People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been locked in a year-long war with the Ethiopian government.
The conflict has killed thousands and pushed many into famine-like situations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Winner 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops to Tigre in November last year to topple the TPLF, accusing them of attacking military bases.
Insurgents have claimed several cities in recent weeks and do not rule out marching on Addis Ababa.
The government, which has denied the capital is in danger, has nonetheless declared a state of emergency and local officials have called on residents to organize to defend the city.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and other countries have urged non-essential diplomats and their families to leave Ethiopia over the past week.
The pontiff said he was following the news from Ethiopia “with concern”, “shaken by a conflict that has been going on for more than a year, and which has caused many victims and a grave humanitarian crisis“.
“I renew my appeal that brotherhood And may a peaceful course of dialogue prevail,” he told the believers gathered for the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
Nine rebel groups said on Friday they would join a coalition built around the Tigre People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been locked in a year-long war with the Ethiopian government.
The conflict has killed thousands and pushed many into famine-like situations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Winner 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent troops to Tigre in November last year to topple the TPLF, accusing them of attacking military bases.
Insurgents have claimed several cities in recent weeks and do not rule out marching on Addis Ababa.
The government, which has denied the capital is in danger, has nonetheless declared a state of emergency and local officials have called on residents to organize to defend the city.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and other countries have urged non-essential diplomats and their families to leave Ethiopia over the past week.
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