Biden signs executive order to allow new sanctions on parties fuelling Ethiopia conflict

US President Joe Biden on Friday signed an executive order to allow new sanctions on the sides fuelling the conflict in Ethiopia, according to a statement released by the White House.

"The Executive Order I signed today establishes a new sanctions regime that will allow us to target those responsible for, or complicit in, prolonging the conflict in Ethiopia, obstructing humanitarian access, or preventing a ceasefire," Biden said in the statement.

Biden said his administration would continue to press for a negotiated ceasefire in the conflict-ridden country in order to put an end to abuses of civilians and allow humanitarian access to those in need.

"The United States is determined to push for a peaceful resolution of this conflict, and we will provide full support to those leading mediation efforts, including the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo," Biden said.

Ethiopia is currently dealing with a protracted armed conflict in one of its northern provinces. Fighting in the Tigray region broke out in November after the Ethiopian government accused the local ruling party -- Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) -- of attacking a regional military base to hijack weapons and arm the anti-government militia.

An estimated 2 million of Tigray's 6 million people are reported to have fled their homes amid the hostilities, and an estimated 900,000 people are likely experiencing famine conditions. In addition, about 33,000 severely malnourished children are projected to face imminent risk of death if more aid is not forthcoming to the people of Tigray, according to UN figures. (ANI/Sputnik)

( With inputs from ANI )