Human Rights Watch Alerts AU On Rising Tigray Tensions
AFRICAGLOBAL SECURITY
Photo: allafrica.com
Human Rights Watch warned on September 9 that escalating tension between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front is testing the African Union's conflict-prevention capacity, days after AU leaders met in Luanda to strengthen it.
Heavy fighting broke out in August near Ethiopia's border with Sudan, involving artillery and drone strikes, as disputes persist over implementing the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, including contested territory, the return of displaced people, and disarmament. HRW has also documented TPLF forces recruiting children as young as 15, and continuing abuses against Tigrayans in the west of the region.
HRW is calling on the AU's Peace and Security Council to intensify engagement with both sides and press for public reporting on compliance before the situation spirals further.