Calls grow for Ethiopia peace effort as fighting intensifies

A destroyed tank is seen by the side of the road south of Humera, in an area of western Tigray annexed by the Amhara region during the ongoing conflict, in Ethiopia Saturday, May 1, 2021. [AP Photo]

Diplomats are calling on Ethiopia's federal authorities and their rivals in the northern region of Tigray to agree to a cease-fire as heavy fighting raises growing humanitarian fears.

African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed "grave concern" in a statement Sunday over the fighting and called for an "immediate, unconditional cease-fire and the resumption of humanitarian services."