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ADDIS ABABA: The European Union postpones almost 90 million euros in budget support payments to Ethiopia due to the conflict in the northern region of Tigray, according to an internal document seen by AFP.
The decision is aimed at highlighting the EU’s desire for a cessation of hostilities and a “resolution through political means”, and its concerns about restrictions on humanitarian and media access, according to the document.
The document, authenticated by two diplomatic officials in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, also takes note of the EU’s call for a “follow-up of allegations of human rights abuse” during the conflict, which began in early November.
“Postponing these disbursements does not mean that funds are lost for the Ethiopian Government,” the document states.
There was no immediate response from Ethiopian officials.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize last year, announced military operations on November 4 against Tigray’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
He said the move came in response to attacks orchestrated by the TPLF against federal army camps in the region.
Thousands have died in the fighting, according to think tank International Crisis Group, and tens of thousands have crossed the border into neighboring Sudan.
Abiy declared victory after federal troops seized the regional capital, Mekele, in late November, saying hostilities were “complete.”
But the UN has since reported fighting in multiple parts of the region.
The UN has complained about limited access to humanitarian assistance, saying on Monday that “we have not been able to reach the people we know need it.”
Tigray was under a communications blackout for more than a month, although phone service was partially restored and the government says life is returning to normal.
Over the weekend, Abiy visited Mekele for the first time since the fighting began.
Deferred EU funding amounts to € 88.5 million ($ 107.6 million) and includes € 60 million for a program to support transport and logistics links with Ethiopia’s neighbors and € 17.5 million. euros for the health sector.
