Araweelo News Network.
ADDIS ABABA (ANN)-The fighting between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) has intensified and created fear in the region.
The strategic town of Mille, in the Afar region, has been the scene of the worst fighting in recent days, less than two weeks after the TDF seized control of Dessie and Kombolcha, two major Amhara cities, war, as these strategically important two cities are located in about 400 km from Addis Ababa.
Mille’s fighting has raised fears of a security crackdown in the capital, Addis Ababa, and the region, which is currently under intense scrutiny, as Mille is the main gateway for Ethiopian goods from the port of Djibouti.
As a result, more than 1,000 people have been arrested in Addis Ababa since Prime Minister Abiy declared a state of emergency in recent days.
Major Western powers are moving diplomatically and militarily towards Ethiopia, as well as using diplomatic channels spearheaded by the presidents of several African countries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Wednesday that the escalating conflict in Ethiopia threatens the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region.
Blinken made the remarks in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, after meeting with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta for formal strategic talks, in what will be his first talks with US and Kenyan Foreign Secretary Raychelle Omamo.
Blinken’s visit to Kenya, Nairobi, comes after President Kenyatta paid a surprise visit to Addis Ababa on Sunday, where Kenyan officials said he had held private talks with Abiy and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, although he did not comment, the outcome of the meeting between, Uhuru Kenyatta and Abiy Ahmed.
Kenya’s top diplomat Omamo, speaking to reporters along with Antony Blinken on Wednesday, said Nairobi was hopeful the situation would be resolved before it worsened.
“I believe that Ethiopia has the capacity to find a solution to this problem. I believe that a ceasefire is possible.” she said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, meanwhile, said Washington would continue to prioritize supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, even as the State Department on Tuesday urged all U.S. citizens to leave Ethiopia immediately.
Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Office, Prosperity and Development (FCO) recommends that all citizens and Travelers leave Ethiopia immediately.
“You have to leave Ethiopia now while there are still business options. It is likely to be very difficult to leave Ethiopia in the coming days. “The British embassy in Addis Ababa has renewed its warning to its citizens in Ethiopia, as the situation worsens,” the British embassy in Addis Ababa said in a statement.
Blinken’s visit to Kenya also coincided with the announcement by the US military base in Djibouti in recent days that it would send troops to Ethiopia to rescue Americans and aid workers in Ethiopia. .
Major General William L. Zana, in an interview with BBC World Africa, spoke about the current fears and what the United States is doing about the war, and made it clear that the United States wants to send troops to Ethiopia, pointing out that the region is in crisis. Crisis, conflict and political instability are now a major concern in Ethiopia’s war.
Published by Araweelo News Network.
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By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights activist.
info@araweelonews.com