Guterres, in a statement by his Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation, including the seizure of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire.
He also cited intensified fighting in and around Tigray and reports that hostilities were spreading into neighbouring areas. The UN chief warned the parties against actions capable of plunging Ethiopia into “a broader and more devastating conflict.”
He called for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation while urging all sides to protect civilians.
Guterres threw his weight behind African Union diplomatic efforts, particularly Obasanjo’s engagement with the parties.
He urged them to return to negotiations in good faith under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
The African Union has similarly called for an immediate halt to escalation and renewed direct talks under the peace accord.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has asked Obasanjo, its High Representative for the Horn of Africa, to urgently re-engage the parties.
The AU said the former Nigerian leader’s renewed intervention was aimed at reducing tensions, promoting dialogue and safeguarding the peace process.
The latest escalation threatens a peace agreement that ended two years of devastating warfare between Ethiopia’s Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Obasanjo led the AU mediation team that brokered the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities in Pretoria on Nov. 2, 2022.
The talks were also facilitated by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
The agreement provided for cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, restoration of essential services and measures towards disarmament, reconciliation and political dialogue.
The latest crisis has centred partly on Tigray’s three major civilian airports, and the AU said Tigrayan forces seized and occupied Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports and detained federal personnel.
The Secretary-General urged the parties to avoid military actions capable of widening hostilities and worsening civilian suffering.
Guterres, therefore, urged the parties to return to dialogue rather than allow military confrontation to unravel the peace process.
Obasanjo has remained central to the AU-led process since his appointment as High Representative for the Horn of Africa.
The UN Secretary-General said the immediate priority must be de-escalation, civilian protection, humanitarian access and a return to good-faith negotiations.
The UN Human Rights Office has also expressed alarm about the impact of renewed fighting on civilians and called for immediate de-escalation.
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