IGAD calls for diplomatic solution to Ethiopia-Sudan skirmishes

IGAD calls for diplomatic solution to Ethiopia-Sudan skirmishes
The aftermath of the clash between Sudan and Ethiopian ‘rebel’ group.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and African Union (AU) have both called for restrain and diplomatic solution to the skirmishes at Al Fashaga – a disputed border town between Sudan and Ethiopia.

Aljazeera reported that Sudanese forces had been firing heavy artillery on Monday and Tuesday, east of al-Fashaqa an agricultural-rich region.

Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, urged the two countries to refrain from violence.

“IGAD expresses his deep concern on the recent border escalation between Ethiopia and Sudan,” read a statement by Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s The Executive Secretary.

He further called on the two countries to exercise utmost restraint and avoid actions that can further heighten tensions and to actively seek diplomatic means to find a lasting and sustainable solution on the matter.

AU Founders

At the same time, Moussa Faki Mahamat called for dialogue and normalcy even as he regretted the lose of lives.

“The Chairperson appeals for complete refrain from any military action whatever its origin and calls for dialogue between the two brotherly countries to solve any dispute.

“In this regard, the Chairperson urges the parties to continue to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the border dispute under the auspices of the AU Border Program,” the statement continued.

On Monday, the Ethiopian government call for withdrawal of Sudanese forces at the border vowing to investigate the matter.

“The Ethiopian government regrets the loss of life as a result of skirmish between the Sudanese army and a local militia of which an investigation would be carried out soon.

“The government of Ethiopia hopes that Sudanese government would restrain itself from any escalation of the incident and would take measures that could de-escalate the situation,” reads a statement from the Ethiopia government released on Monday.

They claimed the Sudanese forces crossed to their territory as a reinforcement to Tirgay People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

The two countries summoned their ambassadors to make consultations on the issue.

Ethiopia has vowed to summon her Ambassador to Sudan, over the dispute. However, Sudan accused Ethiopian army of displaying the corpses of soldiers killed to provoke what they called “an appropriate response.”

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