Pressure mounts on Ethiopia’s warring parties to protect civilians

International pressure mounted Tuesday on Ethiopia’s warring parties to cease fighting and protect civilians in Tigray, where the army says it has encircled the capital ahead of a threatened bombardment.

Forces loyal to Tigray’s ruling party have been battling Ethiopian soldiers in the northern region for nearly three weeks, sparking a refugee exodus, civilian atrocities and fears of broader instability in the Horn of Africa.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, on Sunday gave the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to surrender — an ultimatum rejected by the leader of the dissident region, who says his people are “ready to die” for the homeland.

Ethiopia’s army says tanks are within 60 km of the regional capital Mekele, where it has promised a “no mercy” assault on TPLF forces.

“The highly aggressive rhetoric on both sides regarding the fight for Mekele is dangerously provocative and risks placing already vulnerable and frightened civilians in grave danger,” said UN rights chief

Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday. Amnesty International urged against using artillery and aerial bombings in Mekele.

The government said on Tuesday that “a large number of Tigray militia and special forces are surrendering” following the issuance of Abiy’s ultimatum.

Tigray remains under a communications blackout and media access to the region has been restricted, making independent verification of claims from both sides difficult.