The European Union (EU) has voiced grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating security climate in Northern Ethiopia, issuing an urgent call for immediate de-escalation and a return to political dialogue.
The appeal follows alarming reports of expanding military engagements across multiple localities, alongside the seizure of the Mekelle, Axum, and Shire airports in the Tigray region by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces.
Brussels also expressed deep unease regarding recent drone strikes executed by the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). Emphasizing that regional differences cannot be resolved through armed conflict, the EU stressed that it is not yet too late for all parties to recommit to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Highlighting the severe toll on local populations, the European Union underscored that compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is absolute and non-negotiable. This mandates the continuous protection of civilians and the preservation of independent, impartial humanitarian relief efforts. Consequently, the bloc strongly condemns any military strikes impacting humanitarian convoys as well as any obstruction of vital aid access.
Reiterating its diplomatic stance, the EU confirmed its ongoing commitment to backing de-escalation initiatives, the African Union-led mediation framework, and constructive national dialogue to secure lasting stability.