In a statement, Mahamat reaffirmed the AU’s firm attachment to Ethiopia’s constitutional order, territorial integrity, unity and national sovereignty to ensure stability in the country and the region.

It ‘strongly urged the parties to immediately cease the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians. It further urged the parties to engage in dialogue to reach a peaceful solution,’ the text said.

It also reiterated the political organization’s continued readiness to support an inter-Ethiopian initiative in the search for peace and stability.

In recent weeks, armed groups belonging to the Fano militia operating in this Ethiopian region have provoked an insecurity crisis affecting economic, political and social activities.

Faced with this situation, the regional authorities requested the intervention of the federal government.

The Council of Ministers decreed a state of emergency on August 4 and, thanks to the actions implemented for the restoration of law and order, the cities of Bahir Dar, Debre Markos, Debre Birhan, Lalibela, Gonder and Shewa Robit were freed from the threat.

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