The Ethiopian government says it intends to seize control of airports and other federal facilities in the Tigray area “to protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In a statement, it stated that this was necessary to preserve its airspace, which had been “violated by hostile foreign actors supporting the TPLF [rebel fighters].”
It said the government would also be able to expedite humanitarian aid to the people in the region affected by the ongoing war.
The statement signals fighting could go on despite calls for de-escalation – even as it expressed commitment to resolve the crisis through an African Union-led process.
“We believe that there is a need for a comprehensive and negotiated settlement that would bring about durable peace,” the statement added.
The government’s remarks follow a call by the AU for the warring parties to recommit to peace talks.
Tigrayan forces said on Sunday in response to the AU call that they were “ready to abide by an immediate cessation of hostilities”.
They also called on the global community “to compel the Eritrean army to withdraw from Tigray”. Eritrea, an ally of the Ethiopian government, has been aiding its neighbour in the fight against the Tigray forces.
On Monday, the Ethiopian government pledged to avoid urban combats and provide humanitarian access in areas that the government controls.
However, several international voices have sounded alarm bells that cities like the Shire have been bombarded and civilians killed, including at least one humanitarian worker.