#ASDailyScoop: PM Abiy confirms “Ethiopia’s neutrality”, commitment to peaceful resolution of Sudan crisis
Addis Abeba – The US State Department said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who met with the US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee during her visit to Addis Abeba between 14-16 May, confirmed Ethiopia’s neutrality and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Sudan crisis.
The Assistant Secretary during her stay in Addis Abeba conducted meetings with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Ethiopia to consult on regional and international efforts to help end the conflict in Sudan.
“These discussions reviewed how countries and organizations could contribute to urgent efforts to end the fighting and return combatants to barracks. They agreed to support action by Sudanese civilians to resume the stalled political transition through an inclusive process that culminates in free and fair elections. They also agreed to reject external interference in Sudan which will only intensify and prolong the conflict and contribute to regional instability,” a statement by the Office of the spokesperson of the State Department said.
According to the statement, Assistant Secretary Phee provided an update on talks in Jeddah to secure a short-term ceasefire that allows for unhindered humanitarian access, restoration of essential services, and other actions to meet the emergency needs of Sudanese civilians.
On 28 April prime minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions over the phone with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the two generals at the helm of the warring Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stressing the need to resolve disputes amicably and bring stability to Sudan. AS