London, Nov. 23, 2020 (AltAfrica)-The United Arab Emirate, UAE will provide $5 million through the World Food Program and international organizations to help refugees affected by the conflict in Ethiopia, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed said on Sunday,  Ethiopian

The UAE Foreign Minister highlighted the link between the security and stability of the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

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The Emirati minister urged parties of the Ethiopia conflict to “return to dialogue and implement the rule of law.”

Around 25,000 refugees have also fled into neighbouring Sudan.

Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region has descended into armed conflict in the last two weeks, with hundreds reportedly killed.

“Ethiopia is the key to security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the region, underscoring the importance of preserving the institutions of the Ethiopian state and the unity of the federal system,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

He also stressed “the need to mobilize all international and regional efforts and ensure the stability of the region and the central role of Ethiopia in this vision, as well as work with the African Union and other relevant institutions

He said UAE had reached out to many partners in Africa and the international community to put an end to the conflict by peaceful means and avoid escalation in light of the sensitive situation that the region is witnessing,” state news agency, WAM reported.

He also noted the importance of adhering to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

The African region is witnessing new opportunities that must be focused on, including the peace process in Sudan and South Sudan.

Meanwhile,  Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has given Tigrayan regional forces 72 hours to surrender before the military begins an offensive on the regional capital of Mekelle.

“We urge you to surrender peacefully within 72 hours, recognising that you are at the point of no return,” Abiy said in a message posted on Twitter on Sunday evening.

A military spokesman said earlier that advancing Ethiopian troops plan to surround Mekelle with tanks and may shell the city to force surrender.