Pope Francis calls for an end to the escalating conflict in Ethiopia

Pope Francis on Sunday called for intensified diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict in Ethiopia, where rebels from the Tigray region threaten to advance towards the capital.

The pope said he was “following with concern” the latest developments in Ethiopia, “shocked by a conflict that has lasted more than a year, claimed many victims and caused a serious humanitarian crisis”.

“I once again call for fraternal unity and the peaceful path of dialogue,” he told the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The conflict between the rebels and the government in Ethiopia started last year when the army launched a bloody offensive against the local rebels of the northern province of Tigray.

Since then, the country has been in a serious humanitarian crisis. The situation has escalated in recent days.