(Writes through)NAIROBI, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Rebellious Tigrayan forces fighting the central government are withdrawing from neighbouring regions in northern Ethiopia, a spokesperson for the Tigrayan forces said on Monday, a step towards a possible ceasefire after 13 months of brutal war. The United Nations has previously accused the government of operating a de facto blockade - a charge the government has denied. Story continuesLast week the United Nations agreed https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-conflict-marked-by-violations-all-sides-mass-arrests-un-2021-12-17 to set up an independent investigation into rights abuses in Ethiopia - a move strongly opposed by the Ethiopian government. In July, Tigrayan forces invaded Afar and Amhara. The Ethiopian military launched an offensive at the end of November that pushed the Tigrayan forces back hundreds of kilometres.

Source: Ethiopian News December 20, 2021 12:31 UTC