UNSC Open briefing on Ethiopia

[Wednesday, 6 October 2021; 1500 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres for his briefing and for sharing his assessment on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Selassie in today’s briefing.

2. The humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia has been adversely impacted due to the continuing conflict, which began in November 2020. Despite the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Ethiopian Government to facilitate humanitarian aid to the affected population, during the recent months, the fighting has continued and expanded to the neighboring regions of Tigray. The Ethiopian population, particularly women, children and elderly continue to suffer from the ongoing conflict. In this difficult situation, the efforts of humanitarian agencies led by the UN has provided relief to the population. The northern part of Ethiopia will continue to need steady supplies of humanitarian relief in the coming months.

3. In this regard, we note with appreciation the work of humanitarian workers and agencies. However, the unfortunate expulsion of senior UN officials coordinating the humanitarian assistance has the possibility to adversely impact the humanitarian situation. It is, therefore, important to de-escalate the situation through engagement and dialogue.

4. While we are not aware of the circumstances which led to the recent developments, we are of the view that the founding principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence should always guide any humanitarian action. Humanitarian assistance and humanitarian workers should also be sensitive to the situation on the ground and adhere to these principles especially when the host state is facing a complex politico-military situation internally.

5. We have noted the reports of diversion of humanitarian assistance by armed groups and others. Such incidents need to be investigated and corrective measures need to be taken. It is imperative that the United Nations and its agencies continue to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia to ensure that aid reaches the needy in a timely and satisfactory manner. They cannot work at cross-purposes.

6. We hope that both the UN and the Ethiopian Government will make purposeful efforts to resolve expeditiously all issues in the interest of affected population. We should eschew politicization of the matter.

7. India has consistently underscored the importance of mutual trust, engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation to address all issues related to the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia. In this context, we welcome the formation of a new government in Ethiopia led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4 October and his announcement of an inclusive national dialogue. We urge all sides to exercise restraint and support the call by the Ethiopian government for opening channels of communication to build trust among themselves. We also welcome the voice of support to the Ethiopian Government by the African leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4 October. The work must begin on the restoration of normalcy in the lives of the people in the affected regions. To this end, we reiterate our call to find an amicable political solution in a manner that serves the interests of all Ethiopians, in line with the provisions of the constitution of Ethiopia.

8. In conclusion, Mr. President, the political and economic stability of Ethiopia is paramount not just to the horn of Africa, but the entire African continent. The international community and the African Union need to support all efforts that are directed towards humanitarian assistance and an early resolution of the conflict. India reiterates its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.

I thank you.

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