PRESS STATEMENT

We are deeply saddened and alarmed by reports of another round of armed confrontation between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF.

The previous war brought unimaginable suffering to the Ethiopian people. It claimed an enormous human toll, with reports estimating that nearly one million people lost their lives. Countless others were left with life-changing injuries and disabilities. Families were separated, communities were displaced, homes and livelihoods were destroyed, and the social fabric that held the country together was deeply torn apart. The scars of that war are still visible today, and many survivors continue to live with its lasting trauma.

It is therefore heartbreaking to witness Ethiopia once again moving toward violence instead of dialogue.

We strongly condemn this renewed resort to armed conflict. Returning to war before the country has recovered from the devastation of the previous one is deeply irresponsible. Political differences must never again be settled at the cost of innocent lives and the suffering of ordinary people.

The leaders involved know better than anyone the devastating human, social, and economic consequences of war. They witnessed the destruction, the grief, and the suffering that accompanied the previous conflict. Choosing once again to follow the path of violence raises painful questions about whether political interests are being placed above the lives, dignity, and future of the Ethiopian people.

No political objective can justify another generation growing up in fear, displacement, and loss. Ethiopia cannot afford another cycle of violence while millions of its citizens continue to struggle with poverty, humanitarian needs, displacement, and the lasting consequences of previous conflicts.

We are equally alarmed that Ethiopia is already experiencing active armed conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, where civilians continue to endure violence, displacement, loss of livelihoods, and limited access to humanitarian assistance. Opening another front of conflict in Tigray would only deepen an already devastating national crisis. At the same time, growing tensions between Ethiopia and neighboring countries risk expanding instability beyond Ethiopia’s borders and further threatening peace and security across the Horn of Africa. At a time when existing conflicts remain unresolved, another war would be a tragedy for both Ethiopia and the wider region.

The Ethiopian people have already sacrificed far too much. They deserve peace instead of war, dialogue instead of violence, and hope instead of fear. They deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and their country without once again paying the unbearable cost of armed conflict.

We therefore call upon the Federal Government of Ethiopia, the TPLF, all armed actors, political leaders, the African Union, the United Nations, regional partners, and the wider international community to take urgent and meaningful action to prevent another catastrophic war. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, recommit themselves to peaceful dialogue, fully implement existing peace agreements, protect civilians, reduce regional tensions, and pursue genuine political solutions that address the root causes of conflict.

History has already shown the terrible cost of war. Ethiopia cannot continue repeating the same painful cycle while expecting a different future.

Enough is enough. The Ethiopian people have suffered enough. Ethiopia needs peace—not another war.