Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of (a) whether Eritrean troops have withdrawn from Tigray and (b) the humanitarian situation in Tigray.

Eritrea's role in the Ethiopian conflict, including the continued presence of its armed forces, is particularly concerning. These forces must leave Ethiopia immediately, as I [Minister Duddridge] made clear to the Eritrean Ambassador on 16 March, and we also set out in our joint statement with the G7 on 2 April. There are numerous reports of atrocities involving Eritrean forces, and the presence of Eritrean forces is fuelling insecurity. We are closely monitoring the situation and are clear that their withdrawal must be swift, unconditional and verifiable. We have yet to see any evidence that Eritrean forces are leaving Tigray in line with the commitment made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy in his announcement on 26 March and will continue pressing for this commitment to be delivered.

The humanitarian situation in Tigray is poor. Basic services have collapsed and the humanitarian response is hampered by poor security and access. The UK has been consistent in calling for the protection of civilians in Ethiopia, unfettered humanitarian access, and respect for human rights. UK-funded aid agencies in Tigray are delivering support in challenging circumstances, including food, shelter, water and healthcare. A joint humanitarian and political team from the British Embassy in Addis Ababa visited Tigray 4-5 March and 4-7 April. They met with the provisional administration of Tigray, the Mayor of Mekelle, the Interim Head of Administration in Shire and with humanitarian agencies working in the region. They spoke directly to people displaced by violence and heard harrowing accounts of human rights violations. The team also saw UK Aid work in action and learned of the challenges across Tigray.