Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Call with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen

by Joseph Robinette Biden

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on April 7 with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen. Mr. Sullivan expressed the Biden Administration’s grave concern about the continued humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Tigray region. Mr. Sullivan and Deputy Prime Minister Mekonnen discussed critical steps to address the crisis, including expanded humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities, departure of foreign troops, and independent investigations into atrocities and human rights violations. They also discussed the importance of continued dialogue among regional leaders, with the support of the African Union, to peacefully resolve current disputes related to the al-Fashaga border and the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. Mr. Sullivan stressed that the United States is ready to help Ethiopia address the crisis, building on our longstanding bilateral partnership and friendship.