Ethiopia – Expulsion of UN personnel (1 October 2021)

The Ethiopian government decided yesterday to expel seven UN personnel.

France condemns this decision and urges the Ethiopian authorities to reconsider. UN personnel must be able to continue carrying out their missions at a time when the serious humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with more than 5 million people facing dire food shortages in several regions of northern Ethiopia. France therefore calls for full humanitarian access in order to meet the needs of populations.

France reminds all the parties of the urgent need to achieve a secure, unimpeded ceasefire and to engage in political dialogue. The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights are international obligations that are incumbent upon all actors in armed conflicts.