African leaders are trying to persuade the Ethiopian government to accept the start of a mediation process to end the conflict in the Tigrean region.
The leaders said there was a need to prevent the fighting from spreading across the region.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who has arrived to join the process.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also joined in calling for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ethiopia.
But the Ethiopian government insists the operation to restore law will continue.
Prime Minister Abey also rejected calls for a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
Footage from the Tigrean capital, Mekelle, shows smoke billowing from several buildings shortly after Ethiopian warplanes flew over.
Hundreds of people have died in the fighting between the federal government and the Ethiopian forces Tigrey.
Meanwhile, the number of people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia is increasing.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
