The African Union (AU) on Friday hailed the Ethiopian government's decision to declare a ceasefire in war-ravaged northern Ethiopia.

In a press statement, the Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat said he welcomed the declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce by the Ethiopian government.

The AUC Chairperson also said he welcomed the announcement by the "regional government of Tigray" to observe the humanitarian ceasefire.

"The AUC Chairperson calls on the donor community and humanitarian agencies to redouble their efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray and all affected regions, including Amhara and Afar regions," the statement said.

Mahamat also said he will continue to advocate for a negotiated permanent comprehensive ceasefire, and for parties to engage in dialogue toward this goal.

On Thursday, the Ethiopian government announced an indefinite humanitarian ceasefire in its conflict with fighters aligned with the rebel group, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

The TPLF announced early on Friday it will "cautiously" agree to the humanitarian ceasefire.

The TPLF which currently de-facto rules Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, and the Ethiopian National Defense Force backed by allied forces have been engaged in a nearly 17-month-long conflict that has reportedly left tens of thousands of people dead.

The Ethiopian parliament designated the TPLF as a terrorist organization in May 2021.