Ethiopian government officials are meeting Tigrayan rebels in South Africa to try and end a civil war that's been raging for two years.

The talks are the first formal attempt to bring peace to the northern region.

The Tigrayan rebels said their priorities included the immediate cessation of hostilities in Tigray, the resumption of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Eritrean troops allied to the government.

Fighting in northern Ethiopia has been intensifying in recent weeks, with reports that civilians there are facing a dire humanitarian situation.

Please subscribe