IGAD Executive Secretary calls for calm on the Ethiopia-Sudan border tension

Addis Ababa, June 29, 2022 (FBC) – The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD) expressed his deep concern on the recent border escalation between Ethiopia and Sudan.

Workneh calls on the two sisterly countries to exercise utmost restraint and avoid actions that can further heighten tensions and to actively seek diplomatic means to find a lasting and sustainable solution on the matter.

In a recent statement, Public Relations Division Head of the Ethiopian Defense Ministry, Colonel Getnet Adane said that members of the army were not present in scene where the incident cited by many as a cause to border tension took place. The army said it was the Sudanese army which encroached the Ethiopian territory and clashed with local militias. He said accusations by Sudanese army are groundless.

And the Ethiopian army said it respects the decision of the federal government aims to solve the border situation with peaceful manner. But, Colonel Getnet said ““If the government orders us to suppress the aggression by Sudan and reclaim our territories; we will execute the command not in a guerilla war, but as a fully equipped and modern army”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia on Monday said that the Government of Ethiopia believes that the incident was deliberately concocted to undermine the deep-rooted relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and the Sudan.

The Government of Ethiopia, however, remains committed to the principles of amicable resolution of differences among states, the Ministry noted.