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Ethiopian Ambassador to Korea Dessie Dalkie poses after an interview with The Korea Times at his residence in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Aug. 31. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Ethiopian Ambassador to Korea Dessie Dalkie called for the international community to increase its awareness of the current situation in Ethiopia and join efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Since November 2020, the Ethiopian federal forces have been in conflict with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in northern Ethiopia. They came to a ceasefire in March, but fighting resumed on Aug. 24.

"I think the international community should understand the nature of the TPLF and at the same time should push them to come to the negotiation table," the ambassador told The Korea Times, Aug. 31.

The ambassador said the war, which had lasted for two years, was initiated by the TPLF forces who denied the changes implemented by Ethiopia's new leadership. After the TPLF provoked and started the war, the federal government had to defend the country's sovereignty and integrity.

Ambassador Dalkie noted that the Ethiopian government tried to resolve the conflict in a peaceful way.

"The government is committed to a peaceful resolution and peaceful existence. We prepared peace negotiations through the AU (Africa Union) and have taken different kinds of initiatives such as declaring an indefinite humanitarian ceasefire as well as assigning high-level peace talk committees," he said.

However, the TPLF did not come to negotiate but resumed fighting in late August.

The ambassador blamed the TPLF for "forcefully mobilizing young people."

"They are using false propaganda and intimidation and at the same time mobilizing and using young people as cannon fodder," he said. "They allegedly do not facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid such as food and fuel to the people."

Ambassador Dalkie said the government is committed to a peaceful resolution and needs support from the international community.

"Korea has been always supporting Ethiopia's peaceful condition," the ambassador said, thanking Korea for the provision of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

"Ethiopia is the only country from Africa to send land forces during the Korean War. From this historic relationship, bilateral cooperation is increasing and Ethiopia is a good investment destination for Korean businesses."

The ambassador asked for Korea's attention and assistance in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the situation in northern Ethiopia.

"The international community should condemn the TPLF act and urge them to come to negotiation table as the Ethiopian government is ready to negotiate for peace without preconditions," he said.