To: The Ethiopian Federal Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Cc: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) African Union Commission European Union Delegation to Ethiopia Embassies of Key Diplomatic Missions in Ethiopia

Subject: Condemnation of the Blockade on Travel to Tigray for Tourists, Investors, and Foreign Nationals.

Your Excellencies,

I write to express my deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the Ethiopian government’s continued restrictions on travel to the Tigray region, which unjustly bar tourists, investors, and foreign nationals from entering. This blockade not only exacerbates the humanitarian and economic crisis in Tigray but also violates fundamental principles of freedom of movement, economic opportunity, and international human rights standards.

Since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) in November 2022, Tigray has faced immense challenges in rebuilding after a devastating conflict. The region’s recovery depends on the restoration of basic services, investment, and the return of normalcy—including tourism and foreign engagement. However, the Ethiopian government’s persistent refusal to permit flights, obstruct commercial activities, and restrict foreign access undermines these efforts.

This policy has severe consequences:
1. Humanitarian Impact: The blockade hinders the delivery of aid and limits the ability of international organizations to assess and address critical needs.
2. Economic Strangulation: By barring investors and tourists, the government is depriving Tigray of vital economic recovery opportunities, deepening poverty and instability.
3. Diplomatic Distrust: Such restrictions contradict Ethiopia’s commitments to peace and reconciliation, raising concerns about the government’s willingness to uphold the CoHA.

We call upon the Ethiopian government to:
– Immediately lift all restrictions on flights, tourism, and investment in Tigray.
– Guarantee unfettered access for humanitarian and commercial actors.
– Comply with international law, including the right to freedom of movement under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To the international community, we urge:
– Public condemnation of these restrictions and pressure on Ethiopia to end its blockade.
– Support for independent investigations into violations of the CoHA.
– Economic incentives contingent on Ethiopia’s adherence to inclusive recovery policies.

The people of Tigray have endured unimaginable suffering. Isolating them further is not only unjust but counterproductive to lasting peace. We demand immediate action to end this punitive measure and ensure Tigray’s full reintegration into Ethiopia’s economic and social fabric.

Sincerely,

. Concerned Tigrayan scholar

. Tigray, Ethiopia