AU, U.S. Call for De-escalation as Tensions Rise in Tigray

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed concern over reports that Tigray forces had seized the airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire, detained federal personnel and disrupted civilian air services. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to the three destinations on Wednesday, citing the "current situation" in the region, according to Addis Standard. The airline said passengers would be notified when services resume. Separately, officials in northwestern Tigray said a truck carrying grain for displaced families was struck by drones near Adi Daero on the Shire–Sheraro road, destroying the vehicle and its cargo. The shipment was reportedly part of U.S.-provided humanitarian assistance. The U.S. government condemned the reported strike on a Catholic Relief Services humanitarian convoy and called for a full investigation, urging authorities to share their findings to help prevent similar incidents. The reported attack comes as displaced communities in Tigray continue to face food insecurity and limited access to essential services, raising concerns over the delivery of humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas. Youssouf also expressed concern over reported hostilities in parts of South Tigray and the Afar Region, as well as the emergence of new political and military alliances. The AU chairperson reaffirmed the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front as the framework for peace and urged the parties to resume direct talks. Both the AU and U.S. called for dialogue to resolve political differences peacefully. Youssouf has tasked former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, with engaging the parties and supporting renewed diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and safeguard the peace process.