The leader of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region had announced a withdrawal of rebel forces from neighboring areas in the country on Sunday, a move that raised hopes of a ceasefire after 13 months of war. But Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s spokesperson Billene Seyoum on Tuesday cast doubt on the motives of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. “We trust that you and the Security Council will redouble your efforts to ensure that the war crime of starvation is stopped, and aid provided,” he said. Responding to the letter on Tuesday, Billene said that the Ethiopian government was still committed to a peaceful resolution. She pushed back on the TPLF’s narrative regarding the pullout from Afar and Amhara, criticizing the international community and media for “amplifying” their message.

Source: Ethiopian News December 21, 2021 20:17 UTC