Jan 10 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden raised concerns about airstrikes in the conflict in northern Ethiopia and about human rights issues during a call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday, the White House said.
Thousands have died and millions have been displaced since war broke out in Ethiopia’s Tigray region in November 2020 between Abiy’s federal forces, backed by regional allies, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that governs the region.
In a tweet, Abiy described his conversation with Biden as “candid” and said the pair had discussed strengthening cooperation, while a senior U.S. administration official said the call was business-like and focused on issues.
“President Biden expressed concern that the ongoing hostilities, including recent air strikes, continue to cause civilian casualties and suffering,” the White House said in a statement after the two leaders spoke.
An airstrike in Tigray killed 56 people in a camp for displaced people and injured 30, including children, two aid workers told Reuters on Saturday. read more
Aid organizations suspended their operations in the area of northwest Tigray where the strike took place, the U.N. agency for humanitarian affairs said on Sunday, citing an ongoing threat of drone strikes.
