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The US envoy to the Horn of Africa is currently visiting the Ethiopian capital - Addis Ababa - to press for a peaceful solution to the war in north of the country.

Jeffrey Feltman's visit comes as Tigrayan fighters advance south towards the capital. The European Union and the regional group - Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) - have reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue and the US has authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential government employees.

Britain has urged its citizens to leave while commercial flight options are still available. Meanwhile, Kenya has increased security along its border with Ethiopia.

Earlier, Newsday put it to Tibor Nagy, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa - and a former Ambassador to Ethiopia - that despite the rebel advances the Ethiopian government doesn't appear ready for peace talks anytime soon:

"I continue to believe that their goal is to put enough pressure on Addis Ababa. Not necessarily attacking Addis Ababa but putting pressure on Addis Ababa so that the Ethiopian government collapses and another government is put in place which may be a lot more sympathetic to the Tigrayans."

(Photo: People hold candles and Ethiopian flags during a memorial service for the victims of the Tigray conflict organized by the city administration, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 3, 2021. Credit: Eduardo Soteras / AFP)

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