The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Ethiopia following inter-communal violence.
Ethnic violence has been on the rise in the East African country, with an attack on Sunday in Oromia state resulting in the death of 32 people.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said members of the Amhara ethnic group, the country’s second-largest ethnic group, were targeted in the attack.
Mr. Faki Mahamat, in a statement, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims but urged for national authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are found and held accountable.
“The Chairperson noting the rise in inter-communal violence calls on all stakeholders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and work towards de-escalating tensions in the country.
“He further encourages political actors to engage in an inclusive national dialogue and build a national consensus around key issues and stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the region as a whole.
“The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s support to the reforms initiated by the Government and stands ready to assist Ethiopia in its efforts to promote peace and stability in the country,” the statement read.