U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said two others were freed “in the past few days.” All three were Ethiopian nationals. At about the same time, Ethiopian authorities arrested arrested and detained some 70 truck drivers contracted to the United Nations and other groups to deliver humanitarian aid. The arrests strained relations between the United Nations and the Ethiopian government. Following some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict, Ethiopia soldiers fled the Tigray capital, Mekele, in June 2021, and the government declared a national state of emergency with sweeping powers. “Refugees who trekked the long distance to the regional capital in Semera told UNHCR that armed men stole their belongings and occupied their homes,” he said.

Source: Ethiopian News February 19, 2022 00:00 UTC