The conflict is believed to have killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands more
ADDIS ABABA, Nov 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ethiopia’s prime minister has given rebel forces in the northern region of Tigray 72 hours to surrender as government troops advance on the capital, Mekelle.
Abiy Ahmed told Tigrayan leaders they were “at a point of no return”.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the mountainous region, has vowed to keep fighting.
The Ethiopian military warned Mekelle’s 500,000 residents that the army would “encircle” the city and attack it with artillery fire.
“There will be no mercy,” a spokesman said.
The government said its troops took over some key towns last week.
In a statement aimed at the TPLF leadership, Abiy said: “Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72 hours, recognising you are at a point of no return. Take this last opportunity.”
Abiy said TPLF forces should “surrender peacefully” and that the population of Mekelle should support government forces “in bringing this treasonous group to justice”.
On Friday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union chairman, announced the appointment of three former presidents to broker talks to end the conflict.
But Ethiopia has rejected the offer because it sees the operation as an internal “law enforcement” mission.
On Nov 4 the Ethiopian prime minister announced an operation against the TPLF, accusing its forces of attacking the army’s northern command headquarters in Mekelle.
The TPLF has rejected the claims.
Aid agencies have no access to the conflict zone, but they fear that thousands of civilians may have been killed since fighting erupted at the beginning of November.
At least 33,000 refugees have already crossed into Sudan. The UN refugee agency has said it is preparing for up to 200,000 people to arrive over the next six months if the fighting continues.
Many of the refugees arriving in Sudan are believed to be children. Aid agencies say an immediate ceasefire would allow them to help thousands of civilians still trapped inside Ethiopia.
Aid agencies are appealing for $50m for food and shelter for the new arrivals. — NNN-AGENCIES
