As part of the ongoing African Union (AU)-led process to assist the Government of Ethiopia and Tigray peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) resolve the violence in Tigray region of Ethiopia, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday announced the beginning of the peace talk in South Africa.
It is stated that together with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former South African Deputy President Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and former AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are facilitating the talks.
As observers, representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations (UN), and the United States of America (USA) government are taking part in the peace process run by the AU.
In this context, the Chairperson wishes to extend his sincere gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government for their kind acceptance of hosting the discussions in the name of pan-African unity and in search of African solutions to African issues.
The Chairperson is further inspired to seek a long-lasting political resolution to the conflict in the best interests of Ethiopia by the Parties’ early demonstration of commitment to peace. The Chairperson reiterates the AU’s ongoing commitment to assist the Parties in a process to put a stop to gunfire toward a united, stable, peaceful, and resilient Ethiopia, which is owned and led by Ethiopia.
The first direct talks between the Government of the Federal Government of Ethiopia and TPLF is expected to be concluded on Sunday, according to the spokesperson of the Office of the President of South Africa.
In a related development, the Government of the United Sates has also issued a statement welcoming the beginning of the peace talk. “We urge the delegations to engage seriously in these talks to reach a lasting resolution to this conflict. As a first priority, it is essential to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities. We also call on the delegations to agree on unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need, measures to protect civilians, and Eritrea’s withdrawal from northern Ethiopia.”
“We commend South Africa for hosting the talks and support AU High Representative Obasanjo, former South African Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka, and former Kenyan President Kenyatta as mediators. I have spoken with Kenyan President Ruto, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Pandor, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy to convey the urgency of ending this conflict now. I will continue to consult with the AU on forging a political resolution to this destabilizing conflict,” the US said.
Yesterday, when Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli and I spoke about the conflict in Ethiopia, I called for an immediate end to the hostilities. I also reiterated Canada’s support for a peaceful solution and underscored the importance of African Union-led peace talks that have begun.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 25, 2022
YOU CAN GET ANALYSIS ABOUT THE PEACE TALKS FROM THE VIDEO CONVERSATION BELOW