Ethiopia, Tigray forces sign truce deal

The Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front signed a deal on the permanent cessation of hostilities on Wednesday. The agreement, which was signed in Pretoria, South Africa, is aimed at ending a vicious civil war that broke out in November 2020 and has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of people displaced.

The African Union, which convened the peace talks, has called the agreement a new dawn, marking an important step in efforts to silence the guns and providing a solid foundation for the preservation of Ethiopia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the AU said it affirms its commitment and readiness to continue accompanying the process toward a more democratic, just and inclusive Ethiopia in which youth, women and men participate fully and in peace.

The signing of the agreement came after 10 days of intense negotiations in the AU-led mediation process that began on Oct 25 led by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

"The two parties in the Ethiopian conflict have formally agreed to the cessation of hostilities. This moment is not the end of this process, but the beginning of it. Implementation of the peace agreement signed today is critical to the success of the process," said Obasanjo, the AU's chief representative for the Horn of Africa.

In a statement released on his official Twitter account, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the agreement signed in South Africa is monumental in moving Ethiopia forward on the path of reform and peace.

Appreciation expressed

"I would like to express appreciation to friends of Ethiopia that have taken an active role in supporting the conclusion of this agreement. We count on your continued support in reconstructing conflict-affected areas in the northern part of the country and an enhanced partnership with Ethiopia in our countrywide development endeavors," Ahmed said.

Getachew Reda, the TPLF's lead representative at the peace talks, hailed the deal and said they had made concessions that were necessary to build trust.

"We are ready to implement and expedite this agreement. Ultimately, the fact that we have reached a point where we have now signed an agreement speaks volumes about the readiness on the part of the two sides to lay the past behind them to chart a new path of peace," Reda was quoted by local newspaper Times Live as saying.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, released a statement urging all Ethiopians and the international community to support the cease-fire agreement between the Ethiopian government and regional Tigray forces.

"The secretary-general appeals to all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to scale up humanitarian assistance to all civilians in need and to restore the desperately needed public services. The United Nations stands ready to assist the next steps of the African Union-led process and will continue to mobilize much-needed assistance to alleviate suffering in the affected areas," the statement said.

Obasanjo said the implementation of the agreement will be supervised and monitored by a high-level AU panel. He said the agreement would allow humanitarian supplies to Tigray to be restored.

OTIATO OPALI in Nairobi, Kenya