By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The United Nations has issued an urgent call urging the Ethiopian federal government and Tigray regional authorities to de-escalate political friction and resolve regional disputes through inclusive dialogue.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, warned that renewed military confrontation threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis across northern Ethiopia.
The appeal follows reports of localized clashes, drone strikes, and heavy artillery exchanges along key border and transit corridors in Tigray, including incidents near Alamata, Sheraro, and Shererina along the border with Sudan.
Dr. Ojielo, appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in March 2026, stressed that political leaders must silence rhetoric that fuels conflict and prioritize peaceful negotiation:
“The message I have heard over, over, and over again is that the people of Tigray do not want war. They want political actors to find common ground to address the issues. This is also the desire of the UN,” Ojielo stated following a field assessment in the region.
He emphasized that political disputes must be settled at the negotiating table to allow civilians to resume normal economic activities without the constant threat of renewed violence.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of acute climate shocks and severe food insecurity in the Horn of Africa:
- Unprecedented Drought: According to UN field evaluations, 148 kebeles across Tigray have not received any rain this season, devastating local agricultural production.
- Humanitarian Needs: The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that over 15 million people nationwide currently require emergency food assistance due to a combination of climate impact, displacement, and lingering conflict effects.
- Economic Stagnation: UN officials noted that persistent military tensions continue to paralyze local markets, deter community investment, and obstruct humanitarian distribution channels.
The United Nations reiterated its readiness to partner with the African Union and regional bodies to uphold peace frameworks and ensure unimpeded humanitarian relief reaches vulnerable populations.
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