Tigray rebel for political solution to conflict in Ethiopia

The commander of rebel forces in Tigray on Tuesday called for a negotiated ceasefire with the Ethiopian government and a political solution to the conflict in the northern region, saying the government could not win the war.

Tsadkan Gebretensae, speaking a week after the withdrawal of government forces from the Tigrayan capital Mekelle, told Reuters: "After the defeat of Abiy's forces we are saying 'Let's have a negotiated ceasefire'."

"We are restraining ourselves for a realistic political solution to the whole problem. I would like the international community to understand this situation."

"But if there is no other choice, then the next choice will be: try to resolve it militarily," he said by satellite phone from an undisclosed location. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokesperson and the head of the government task force on Tigray did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Abiy's government has been battling the TPLF since early November, when it accused the then-governing party of Tigray of attacking military bases across the region. The TPLF has denied the charges.

Thousands of civilians and an unknown number of combatants have since been killed. The fighting followed months of deteriorating relations.

The TPLF accuses the government of discrimination against ethnic Tigrayans and attempts to centralise power. The government says it is cracking down on a TPLF "criminal clique". International pressure is now building on both sides to end hostilities so that aid can reach hundreds of thousands of starving people.

The Ethiopian government declared a unilateral ceasefire last week after its troops pulled out of Mekelle in what it called a strategic withdrawal.