The Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, has expressed concern over the “worrying” security situation in the Amhara region.
Since April the security situation in Amhara has been deteriorating following the decision to disband the region’s state-backed paramilitary group.
The military has been engaged in an offensive against armed groups in the region.
“We seem to be on the brink of finishing one another and perishing together, with no elders, wise people and religious leaders to advise,” he posted on his Facebook page.
“There could be grievances that have not been addressed, but the best way to solve them is dialogue as any other means will only hinder efforts to address the same grievances, make us lose what we have and complicate issues that we want solved permanently,” he added.
Local militias are reported to have taken control of major towns in the region, including the historical town of Lalibela.