The United Nations Secretary-General has again called for an immediate ceasefire in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, where government forces and rebel fighters have been locked in conflict since November last year.
The UN Chief described the humanitarian conditions in Tigray as hellish and said aid agencies needed unrestricted access.
He also condemned the use of sexual violence against women in Ethiopia as a weapon of war.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres said there could be no military resolution to the fighting, which has spread to neighbouring states.
He believes conditions must be created to allow for the start of an Ethiopian-led political dialogue to find a permanent solution for the crisis”.
The UN chief added that the UN would continue to work together with the African Union and other partners “to support the Ethiopian people on the way to peace and reconciliation”.
Millions of people in Tigray remain beyond the reach of food and other aid as the United Nations and U.S. say Ethiopian authorities allow just a small fraction of what’s needed.
