Antonio Guterres Urges Cessation of Hostilities in Northern Ethiopia

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities following renewed fighting in the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions of northern Ethiopia. In a statement issued through spokesman Stephane Dujarric on October 9, Guterres urged the signatories of the Pretoria Agreement to return to dialogue to prevent further escalation that could undermine regional stability.

Guterres reminded regional states of their obligations under the United Nations Charter to respect the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states. He requested that influential states support de-escalation efforts and offered the use of his good offices to help resolve the conflict.