Ethiopia’s military has called on former soldiers to re-join the army, as it battles to hold off a rebel advance. The appeal comes as rebel forces – spearheaded by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – make advances towards the capital, Addis Ababa. The US embassy has told all US citizens to leave Ethiopia as soon as possible amid a “very fluid” security situation. Hours earlier, nine anti-government groups forged an alliance to dismantle PM Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The government has said it will continue to fight what it calls an existential war. The conflict has entered its second year, with millions displaced and more than 400,000 on the brink of famine. This week, government officials declared a state of emergency, and called on residents to register their weapons, telling them to get ready to protect their neighbourhoods. Ethiopia’s international partners have called for an end to the hostilities. UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged both sides to agree a ceasefire in a call with Ethiopia’s deputy prime minister on Friday.(BBC)…[+]