Originally published at The Crux
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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Pope Leo on Wednesday said he was “following with deep concern” the situation in Tigray and in the neighboring regions of Afar and Amhara, where hostilities have once again broken out.
“I extend my heartfelt plea to all parties to choose the path of dialogue. Armed conflict never solves problems but only worsens them, leaving in its wake a trail of death, destruction, and resentment. Only honest engagement can lay the foundations for lasting peace,” the pope said during his General Audience in the Vatican.
“It is my fervent hope that the international community will offer its generous and timely contribution, to ensuring that all humanitarian aid be provided to those in need,” he added.
The head of Ethiopia’s army suggested that neighboring Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt were supporting rebel troops who have captured several strategic towns in renewed fighting in the north, drawing denials as the threat of a widening regional conflict grew on Monday.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, the chief of the general staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, on Friday accused Eritrea of mobilizing financial support for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF.
He said that Eritrea and the TPLF
