PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Tigray: Violence (4 November 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the violence in the Tigray region of Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Dame Harriett Baldwin (Conservative)

The UK is concerned by the ongoing violence between federal and regional forces in the Tigray region. We are gravely concerned at Amnesty International's report of killings of civilians on 9 November and are investigating. The Foreign Secretary has written to Prime Minister Abiy and spoke with him on 10 November. He emphasised the need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access. He also urged for a de-escalation of violence and called for swift moves to political dialogue. I have tweeted to urge the same.

Oromia and Amhara have also seen violent clashes in recent months. I condemn in the strongest terms the killing of Amharan civilians on 1 November in Oromia. I visited Ethiopia from 27 - 29 July and discussed growing ethnic tensions with the President and senior ministers. I expressed the need for more peaceful dialogue between ethnic groups and for space to be given for political debate. We will continue to monitor the situation and raise the importance of human rights with the Government of Ethiopia and regional leaders.

Answered by:
Sir James Duddridge (Conservative)
13 November 2020