UN: 'Alarming' humanitarian situation in Ethiopia

The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia is "alarming," as it impacts civilian access to medical care and commercial businesses.

The conflict in Tigray, which began in November 2020, has killed thousands in Africa's second-most populous country, which holds more than 115 million people.

The conflict had calmed in recent months amid slow-moving mediation efforts.

But last week the spokeswoman for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told journalists that Tigray authorities were "refusing to accept peace talks."

Ethiopia's government has said it's ready for talks, but insists the African Union must lead the mediation efforts.

Tigray authorities have criticized the African Union's efforts and urgently sought the resumption of telephone, banking and other services that have been largely cut off since the war began. A statement by Tigrayan authorities last week charged that the federal government isn't interested in peace talks.

The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis for millions of people affected by the fighting in the Amhara and neighboring Afar regions, while thousands of Tigrayans now live in refugee camps in Sudan.