Mamiky Motshwane

Ethiopian Government and Tigray delegation has signed peace agreement in Pretoria yesterday after 11 days intense talk in South Africa.

Yesterday marked two years since violence and war broke out in the Northern Ethiopian region of Tigray. The African Union has been persistent in its search for ways to bring about peace, security, and stability in Ethiopia, during this time and to ensure that the country’s development and advancement as a wholesome and inclusive society would not be harmed. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and former Nigerian President Obasanjo led the AU mediation team. The peace agreement is a major breakthrough for the conflict-ridden region where hundreds have died as a result of bloodshed and violence over the past two years, the peace agreement represents a significant victory. This agreement serves as “a restoration of law and order, restoration of services, unhindered access to humanitarian supplies, and protection of civilians” said the mediation team.

In a joined statement by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigay People’s liberation (TPLF) stated that “it is fundamental that we reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia”. The deal’s monitoring to assure implementation was not instantly evident, and Obasanjo made no mention of international, or rebel calls for Eritrea’s feared army to leave the front lines. The agreement also does not address the deeper political tensions that contributed to the conflict, which stems from a breakdown in relations between the TPLF and Abiy, who was once part of their ruling coalition. In a statement, the AU stated that it was prepared to support the Ethiopian peace process “against a more democratic, just and inclusive Ethiopia in which youth, women and men engage completely and in peace.” In the pipeline for the AU agenda 2063 is to develop solutions through “engagement, political dialogues, and being able to accommodate our differences, our democracy while remaining a united Ethiopia or a united Africa” in the words of former Kenya President, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“As the country embarks on this next chapter in its great history, the [African Union] Panel 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 in peace,” the African Union concluded.

Speaking at the ceremony for the signing of the Agreement, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, thanked the facilitators, His Excellency President Olusegun Obasanjo, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and Her Excellency Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The Minister also thanked the African Union Commission and all resource personnel that helped steer the talks.