Debate: Situation in Tigray, Ethiopia
Date: TUESDAY, 6 JULY 2021
Speaker: Anže Logar
Language: EN

As far as we know, fighting still continues, albeit at a smaller level. In continuing their offensive, the Tigray Defence Forces are meeting only low resistance. Eritrean forces still seem to be present in the north and the Amhara militia is controlling Western Tigray. We welcome the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire declared by the government as a step in the right direction, but it needs to be consolidated and accompanied by efforts from all parties to protect civilians and get humanitarian assistance in. The parties to the conflict have responsibilities also in these circumstances.  We are assessing the situation on the ground. The four priorities that the EU has identified from the start of the crisis remain: first, to secure humanitarian access; second, to call all parties to protect civilians and to avoid further human rights violations; third, to ensure the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray; and, fourth, to establish a political dialogue for a sustainable solution.  Humanitarian access and the provision of humanitarian assistance remain the first priority: 91% of the population is in urgent need of assistance and 900 000 people face famine. There are worrying reports indicating a possible blockage of humanitarian deliveries. In order to protect civilians, we urgently need a full cessation of hostilities accepted by all parties. Ethiopian troops have left most of Tigray, but all parties must ensure the protection of civilians and assist the population. Human rights abuses need to cease and also need to be investigated.  We welcome the ongoing joint investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. Yesterday, the EU tabled a resolution in the Human Rights Council to be sure that the High Commissioner will be able to brief the Human Rights Council accordingly.  Eritrean leaders and Eritrean defence forces were asked to leave Tigray. Our leaders repeated that appeal in the European Council on 25 June. Asmara tells us that the Eritrean defence forces are now at the Eritrean—Ethiopian border and do not engage in fighting unless provoked by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). What we see is that fighting has reduced in intensity, possibly an indication that the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) have indeed withdrawn from most of Tigray. Finally, we need a political solution through an inclusive dialogue organised by the Ethiopian Government in the whole of the country. The EU is ready to contribute to such a dialogue to preserve Ethiopia’s integrity and unity. The country has just held federal and regional elections, which were overall peaceful and well organised. Organising an inclusive national dialogue should be the next step.  The Foreign Affairs Council has discussed the situation regularly, notably in March, adopting conclusions, and in June. Next week, on 12 July, we will come back to the matter. As I said, at its recent meetings the European Council also addressed the issue. It condemned the ongoing atrocity, ethnic—based and sexual violence and other human rights violations in Tigray, and welcomed the ongoing investigations to bring accountability and justice. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and impeded humanitarian access to all areas and, as I recalled before, the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces. Finally, it also reiterated the commitment of the EU and Member States to support Ethiopia in the implementation of democratic reform and reconciliation efforts.