Obasanjo calls for ceasefire in Ethiopia

Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Ethiopia amid growing international efforts for a cessation of hostilities in the country’s war

African Union (AU) envoy Olusegun Obasanjo expressed hope that dialogue can end the conflict but warned that such talks cannot deliver without an immediate ceasefire.

More than 12 months of fighting between federal troops and Tigrayan forces have cost thousands of lives and displaced more than two million people, with hundreds of thousands facing famine-like conditions.

Obasanjo left Ethiopia on Thursday after meeting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leadership of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group.

The United States special envoy Jeffrey Feltman also visited the country last week for talks.

On Sunday, Kenyatta, who has also participated in regional mediation efforts, landed in Ethiopia on a surprise one-day visit.