No dialogue with Tigray leaders, Ethiopia PM tells AU envoys

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has again ruled out dialogue with the leaders of the defiant Tigray region during a meeting with three African Union special envoys.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has again ruled out dialogue with the leaders of the defiant Tigray region during a meeting with three African Union special envoys.

The meeting occurred as people fled the Tigrayan capital, Makelle, in fear of an imminent assault after Abiy on Thursday announced the “final phase” of the three-week offensive.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Abiy’s office said the government was committed to the “protection and security of civilians” in Tigray.