Ireland states that Ethiopia ordered the expulsion of four Irish ambassadors | Stories

The Irish ambassador and another ambassador said they could stay but others could leave, the government said.

The Irish government says Ethiopia has ordered four of the six Irish embassies serving in Addis Ababa to leave the country next week.

The Irish ambassador and one ambassador were told earlier this week that he could stay but others had to leave, he said on Wednesday.

“I am deeply saddened by the Ethiopian government’s decision,” said Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, adding that he expected the move to be temporary.

There was no immediate comment from Ethiopian officials.

Coveney defended Ireland’s role in the ongoing conflict between the government and the Tigrayan military, saying it was linked to other organizations, including the European Union.

Ireland signed a UN Security Council document on November 5 seeking to end war in the north of the country.

The Irish government has said it agrees with statements from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the need for humanitarian aid, an end to war and political dialogue.

The Irish ambassador to Addis Ababa has not been detained and the remaining two embassies continue to work with organizations, including the African Union.

“Ireland fully supports the role of the African Union in resolving the conflict, including the role of its special envoy, former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo,” Coveney said. “We are committed to the sovereignty and territory of Ethiopia.”

The announcement came less than two months after the Ethiopian government ordered seven officials UN officials leaving Ethiopia accusing them of “interfering” in internal affairs.

The seven officials, members of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), were declared “persona non grata” and given 72 hours to leave the country.

The war in northern Tigray in Ethiopia has been raging between federal and allied forces since November 2020.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in November 2020 sent troops to Tigray to oust the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) after months of disagreement with the northern ruling party, which has ruled the country for 30 years.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2019 promised a quick victory, but by the end of June the Tigrayan troops had regrouped and recaptured most of the Tigray, including their capital, Mekelle.

Since then, Tigrayan forces have been pushing for neighboring Afar and Amhara and this week they controlled Shewa Robit, just 220 km (135 km) northeast of Addis Ababa. Tigrayan troops and allies have threatened to march on the capital of Addis Ababa. They have also been fighting to try to cut off the route linking Ethiopia with the main port of Djibouti.

Ethiopian journalists reports Wednesday that Abiy went ahead to lead military operations.

“The time has come for us to lead the country with dedication,” Abiy said in a Twitter post on Monday. “Those who want to be one of the Ethiopian children who will be praised by history, stand up for your country today. Let’s meet on the battlefield.

Thousands of people have died in brutal wars marked by terrorist attacks, mass evictions, and the destruction of hospitals.

Hopes of a divided state have alarmed Ethiopians and observers alike, who fear what may happen in a turbulent area. Several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Turkey are involved told their citizens leave immediately.

Ireland is currently pushing for a trip to Ethiopia and for Irish nationals to leave the country immediately with trade.

Ireland has been embassy in Ethiopia since 1994 and has provided $ 185m in government funding over the past five years.

In the coming weeks, Irish Aid will provide $ 18m to partners in Ethiopia, including United Nations aid agencies.