AU commission enlists Obasanjo to defuse Northern Ethiopia crisis

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf has asked former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to urgently help de-escalate renewed tensions in northern Ethiopia.

According to Peoples Gazette, Youssouf expressed concern over military escalation, including the seizure of Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports by Tigray forces and the detention of federal personnel.

He warned that hostilities in South Tigray and the Afar Region could undermine gains achieved since the conflict began in 2020.

Youssouf urged all parties to exercise restraint and resume talks under the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.

He also called on Ethiopia’s neighbours to support dialogue and confidence-building efforts.

Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, was asked to engage the parties and safeguard the peace process.