Human Rights Watch has called on African and international leaders attending the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa to raise their voices on “the deteriorating human rights record in Ethiopia and the fragile peace situation in the Tigray region.”

The human rights organization noted that renewed fighting between the Ethiopian army and Tigray forces in central and southern parts of Tigray in late January has led to massive displacement.

The organization recalled that the United Nations Human Rights Council, in a statement issued on February 10, 2025, called for an independent investigation into the violations, citing the "deplorable human rights and humanitarian situation" in the region.

Human Rights Watch reported that Ethiopian authorities have accused neighboring Eritrea of supporting armed groups, citing the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region.

The organization added that the ongoing security breaches in various parts of the country pose a threat to the protection of civilians.

Human Rights Watch called on the leaders of the coalition to prioritize the protection of civilians.