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Kenya Urges Protagonists in Ethiopia Crisis to Initiate Dialogue

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Nairobi — Kenya has called on Ethiopian allies to step up efforts towards ensuring a long-lasting solution to the ongoing conflict between the Federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government since last year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement Wednesday expressed concern over the deteriorating situation stating that the restoration of peace in Ethiopia is urgent and critical for the country and its immediate neighbours.

“Kenya appeals to all friends and partners of the people of Ethiopia to redouble their efforts to help Ethiopians find lasting peace in their country,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

“The ongoing deterioration of the situation in Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)’s expansion from Tigray to Afar and Amhara regions is highly regrettable and deeply concerning,” it added.

On Tuesday, Ahmed’s government declared a state of emergency after the TPLF claimed significant territorial gains in recent days, along with its ally the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

The escalating conflict has sparked alarm among the international community, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several Western powers calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.

Kenya further pledged its support to Abiy’s government in the quest for peace

“Kenya reassures the people of Ethiopia of its commitment towards a peaceful, stable and united Ethiopia,” the Ministry said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also joined other countries in the rallying call for a ceasefire between the warring parties.

President Uhuru Kenyatta too called for Abiy and the warring faction to initiate dialogue so as to end the crisis.

“The lack of meaningful dialogue between the protagonists has been particularly disturbing to me and today I again call on all well-meaning men and women of Ethiopia to come together and find a solution to help find peace at this critical time,” he said.

Following the situation Kenya enhanced security along its border with Ethiopia Wednesday in a bid to prevent the spread of the situation in the country.

“The events happening across the border in Ethiopia, can have a spillover effect to Kenya and other neighbouring countries so we are just calling for alertness,” Police Spokesperson Bruno Shioso told Capital FM news on Thursday and denied that the border had been closed.