UNSC briefing/consultations- Peace and Security in Africa

[Monday, 8 November 2021]

INDIA Statement 

by 

Ambassador R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative

Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me join other, in thanking High Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H. E. Obasanjo and UNSG for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Ms. Rosemary Dicarlo for updating this Council on the recent developments in the northern parts of Ethiopia. I also welcome the presence of Permanent Representative of Ethiopia, Ambassador Taye Selassie in today’s briefing.

2. The conflict in northern parts of Ethiopia has seen escalation in the recent weeks and is threatening to expand towards the central parts of Ethiopia. The fighting has intensified and humanitarian situation has worsened, adversely affecting millions, particularly women, children, and elderly. It is concerning to note that the humanitarian efforts led by the UN has been stalled in the recent weeks. It is important that humanitarian assistance is resumed at the earliest available opportunity. We also reiterate the importance of founding principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

3. We have noted the report of the Joint Investigation Team of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the OHCHR. We also note and welcome the recognition and acceptance of the report by the Ethiopian Government as an important document that could complement ongoing efforts by the Ethiopian Government to address the allegations of human rights violations and abuses. We further note that the report could not confirm deliberate or willful denial of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Tigray or the use of starvation as a weapon of war. 

4. The Ethiopian Government has announced State of Emergency in response to persisting conflict and expansion of violence beyond the Tigray region. The inclusive national dialogue announced on October 4, has not moved forward. Military offensive may not help in the resolution of the crisis and inevitably there has to be a dialogue. India has consistently underscored the importance of mutual trust, engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation to address all issues related to the ongoing conflict. 

5. We therefore call upon all stakeholders to seize the opportunity provided by the mediation efforts of the African Union High Representative for the Horn of African Region, H. E. Olusegun Obasanjo purposefully. We welcome his meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and take note of his visit to Makelle. He has also briefed AUPSC today morning. We also welcome the engagement of countries from the region in this process. We urge all sides to exercise restraint and work together to build trust and confidence that could pave way for dialogue. The political and economic stability of Ethiopia is paramount not just to the Horn of Africa, but the entire African continent. It is in the interest of the region that the current politico-military situation is resolved within the Constitutional framework of Ethiopia. In this regard, we support the initiatives of the African Union. It is important that regional initiatives led by the AU are encouraged and actively supported by this Council. 

6. To conclude, India reiterates its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ethiopia. I thank you Mr. President. 

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