41 Countries Urge Ethiopia To De-escalate Tigray Tensions, Protect Civilians

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 10, 2026

A group of 41 countries has urged Ethiopia to immediately de-escalate tensions in Tigray, warning that renewed fighting would have severe consequences for a region already facing drought and significant humanitarian needs.

The joint statement, delivered by Lithuania’s permanent representative Rytis Paulauskas at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, called on all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardise the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Pretoria in November 2022.

“Another devastating conflict should be avoided at any cost and differences between parties should be resolved via political dialogue,” the countries said.

The group expressed support for the African Union-led mediation process and welcomed renewed consultations by former Nigerian president and AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, including his recent meetings in Addis Ababa and Mekelle.

The statement also raised concerns about developments in Oromia and Amhara, urging all parties to end human rights violations and abuses and comply with international humanitarian law.

The countries called for the protection of civilians, including humanitarian and frontline workers, and said those responsible for grave human rights violations, abuses and violations of international humanitarian law should be held accountable.

The statement comes as Ethiopia continues efforts to address political and institutional disputes through its national dialogue process and transitional justice programme.

The 41 countries welcomed the conclusion of the National Dialogue Plenary on August 22, describing it as a significant milestone in addressing Ethiopia’s long-standing political, social and institutional challenges.

They called for the process to be accompanied by inclusive participation, free media and an open civic space, while protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

“Civil society, human rights defenders, media and journalists must be fully able to play their roles in consolidating sustainable peace and justice in the country,” the statement said.

The group also welcomed Ethiopia’s general elections held on June 1, commending the National Election Board of Ethiopia, election workers, political parties, candidates and civil society groups involved in the process.

It urged authorities to provide an opportunity for constituencies where elections could not be held to conduct them.

On transitional justice, the countries called for the process to resume in accordance with international standards, describing comprehensive, credible and victim-centred justice and accountability as important to victims and survivors and to lasting peace and reconciliation.

The statement also encouraged the Ethiopian government to make full use of technical assistance available from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and called on the office to continue monitoring the human rights situation and reporting to the Human Rights Council.

The group further urged Ethiopia to implement recommendations contained in the 2023 joint report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, as well as recommendations in the UN rights office’s 2024 report.

Source: FSX Business News