Human rights groups have criticised the fact that a UN-backed inquiry into abuses committed in Ethiopia will end its work next week after member countries chose not to renew its mandate.

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts (ICHREE) said Ethiopia's military had committed war crimes during the conflict in Tigray, saying Eritrean soldiers were behind widespread sexual assaults.

It also accused Tigrayan rebel fighters of serious atrocities.

Human Rights Watch has described the decision not to renew the mandate of the UN backed inquiry as "scandalous".

Even though the war in Tigray is officially over, the ICHREE said earlier this week, there was a high risk that atrocities would continue in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has always opposed the work of ICHREE, describing it as politically motivated.