Ethiopia Cannot Afford Another Catastrophic War

Empowering Civil Society and Humanitarian Outreach (ECHO)

Ethiopia Cannot Afford Another Catastrophic War

ECHO Calls for an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities, Civilian Protection, and Inclusive Negotiations

The Empowering Civil Society and Humanitarian Outreach (ECHO) is deeply concerned by renewed hostilities between federal and Tigrayan forces and the announcement of a seven-group armed alliance, which have heightened the risk of a wider conflict.

In our July 1, 2026 statement, we warned against another round of armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF and called for a peaceful resolution. We renew that appeal with urgency: Ethiopia cannot afford another catastrophic war.

Families and communities are still carrying the consequences of previous and ongoing conflicts. Lives have been lost, livelihoods destroyed, and millions have faced displacement and humanitarian hardship. Further fighting will deepen this suffering and undermine efforts to rebuild trust.

ECHO condemns the renewed escalation of armed confrontation. Our advocacy centers on protecting human life, ensuring humanitarian access, and creating space for civil society and affected communities to help shape a peaceful future.

We call for the following immediate action:

•⁠ ⁠The Federal Government, the TPLF, and all other armed actors must cease hostilities, exercise restraint, and commit to resolving their differences through genuine negotiations.

•⁠ ⁠All parties must protect civilians and civilian objects and respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

•⁠ ⁠Parties to the conflict must facilitate rapid, safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access and enable humanitarian personnel to work safely and independently.

•⁠ ⁠All credible allegations of serious violations must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
•⁠ ⁠Political leaders must support a credible, inclusive negotiation and roundtable process, with meaningful participation by civil society, affected communities, women, and youth, to address the underlying causes of conflict.

•⁠ ⁠The African Union and other regional and international partners must intensify diplomatic engagement to secure an immediate cessation of hostilities and support a peaceful political process, civilian protection, humanitarian access, and accountability.

ECHO also urges civil society organizations, religious leaders, elders, and community representatives to strengthen collective advocacy for peace and help ensure that the voices of people affected by conflict are heard.

The immediate priority is to stop the fighting and protect those at risk. This must be followed by a credible political process that addresses grievances and builds a lasting peace.

Stop the fighting. Protect civilians; open humanitarian access. Commit to genuine dialogue.