ADDIS ABABA, September 23, 2026 (Horn News Hub) — U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga has expressed concern over recent developments in Tigray and Afar, calling for political dialogue and cautioning against further armed confrontation.
In a statement, Massinga said he was disappointed by what he described as a decision by the leadership of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to launch a large scale offensive.
The ambassador said the United States had previously sanctioned members of the TPLF leadership earlier this year and argued that rejecting African Union sponsored dialogue under former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo would not serve the interests of the people.
Massinga also urged other armed groups to avoid becoming involved in further fighting.
He said the United States has additional sanctions tools that could be used against leaders who, in Washington’s assessment, seek to take Ethiopia toward further conflict.
Despite the warning, Massinga reiterated that he believes political dialogue remains the appropriate way to address the country’s disputes.
“I still believe a reasonable political dialogue is the right way to go,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions and reports of renewed military activity in northern Ethiopia. The situation remains fluid, with further independent verification of developments on the ground needed.
The African Union has previously been involved in efforts to facilitate dialogue between Ethiopia’s federal government and the TPLF, including the negotiations that led to the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
Source: U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga’s statement.
