UN human rights chief Volker Türk has warned of a potential deepening crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region due to renewed heavy fighting between the Ethiopian army and regional forces.
In a troubling development for Ethiopia's Tigray region, UN human rights chief Volker Türk has expressed grave concerns over the escalation of violence amid renewed clashes between Ethiopian government forces and regional troops. Türk called on all involved parties to de-escalate tensions, emphasizing that the situation remains unstable and carries the risk of exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the area. His warning highlights the precarious human rights conditions that persist as a result of prolonged conflict.
The urgency of Türk's appeal follows the resurgence of fighting that harkens back to the brutal conflict from 2020 to 2022, which had devastating implications for the civilian population. That prior conflict between Ethiopian government forces and Tigray separatists, which reportedly involved Eritrean forces, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with tens of thousands dead and millions forced from their homes. As this cycle of violence continues, the potential for further humanitarian disasters looms large.
With over one million individuals still displaced and living in precarious conditions, the renewed hostilities threaten to undo any progress toward stability and peace in the region. The international community is again called to pay attention to Tigray, as the consequences of neglect could lead to a broader humanitarian catastrophe that spills over beyond Ethiopia’s borders, affecting the stability of the entire Horn of Africa. Turkish's remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained to avoid a return to the horrors that have marked this region in recent years.
