(Ottawa) Due to the deteriorating security situation, Canada has decided to withdraw all non-essential personnel and family members of its diplomats from Ethiopia.
Global Affairs Canada issued a statement saying the situation is changing rapidly due to clashes in the northeast, and the safety of Canadians remains its priority.
He encourages all Canadians who have the opportunity to leave the country safely to do so, or to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Center for assistance.
Global Affairs Canada advises that its embassy in Addis Ababa remains open and that representatives from consular services are able to provide assistance to Canadians in need.
According to the United Nations (UN), a year after violent clashes between government security forces and supporters of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray (TPLF), some 5.2 million people are still in need of emergency aid in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar.
Due to allegations of widespread human rights violations by all parties involved in the conflict, the UN fears thousands of people will be killed and estimates that more than two million others have been forced to flee their homes.
“Canada supports everyone in Ethiopia. The documented violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are deeply troubling, ”read the statement from Global Affairs Canada.
“Canada calls for an immediate end to hostilities and strongly condemns indiscriminate attacks against civilians and humanitarian personnel in northern Ethiopia. It is imperative to guarantee access to humanitarian aid. ”
In a message posted on Twitter on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said she spoke with Ambassador Stéphane Jobin about the most recent developments in the East African country.
“We are wholeheartedly with all Canadians who are concerned for their loved ones in Ethiopia,” the Minister wrote.