U.S. expresses concern over alleged TPLF crimes in Amhara, Afar regions

ADDIS ABABA – The United States of America has said Sunday night that it was concerned by reported atrocities committed by the rebellious Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia’s Afar and Amhara regions.

Last week, several human rights organizations including the US-based Human Rights Watch said fighters loyal to the TPLF had committed crimes including but not limited to rape, and executions.

In a statement this evening, the US State Department said it was concerned by the reports and urged Ethiopian authorities to investigate in order to establish veracity of these serious allegations against the TPLF.

“The United States notes with grave concern unconfirmed new reports alleging egregious human rights abuses, atrocities, and destruction of civilian infrastructure by Tigrayan forces in the Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia,” the State Department said in a statement.

“We call on all armed actors to renounce violence against civilians. We also urge authorities to investigate these reports to determine their veracity and to commit to inclusive, transparent processes to hold responsible parties accountable,” it adds.

The statement further reiterated the US government’s call for cessation of hostility that would help lead to peaceful solutions for the deadly Ethiopian conflict that has so far killed thousands and displaced millions.

“The United States reiterates our support for diplomacy as the first, last, and only option to cease hostilities, just as we call for an end to human rights abuses and violations; negotiations without preconditions; unhindered humanitarian access; and the start to inclusive national dialogue,” the statement added.