Johannesburg - Peace has finally been reached in the troubled region of Tigray, Ethiopia, after the High Representative of the AU Chairperson for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, announced an agreement after an unfortunate, two-year conflict.
Obasanjo said both sides in the Ethiopian conflict had formally agreed to the cessation of hostilities as well as systematic, orderly, smooth, and coordinated disarmament, restoration of law and order, restoration of services, unhindered access to humanitarian supplies, and the protection of civilians, especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups, among other areas of agreement.
"The agreement also takes care of assurances of security for all concerned within and outside Ethiopia," said Obasanjo.
The agreement was struck in Tshwane, where the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) found common ground and agreed to stop the war.
"Today is the beginning of a new dawn for Ethiopia, for the Horn of Africa, and indeed for Africa as a whole," said Obasanjo. "Let me hasten to thank God for this new dawn. We are seeing in practise and actualisation what we have tried to achieve for ourselves over the years: African solutions for African problems. We also see in today’s peace agreement signing exercise the implementation of Agenda 2063, which embodies silencing the guns in Africa."
The US government also commended the landmark agreement, as noted in a statement issued by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who welcomed the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians that should result from implementation of this agreement.
"The US remains a committed partner to this AU-led process and to our collaboration with the UN, IGAD, and other regional and international partners to support the implementation of today’s agreement," said Blinken.
"We welcome the statement of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy expressing gratitude to the AU and share our support for his desire for an enhanced partnership to support reconstruction and development for all communities in northern Ethiopia affected by the conflict," Blinken added.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called the agreement a proud moment for all of Africa in a statement by the party commending the treaty.
"The peace treaty should be followed by massive efforts to rebuild Ethiopia and provide aid to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and their homes due to war," said the EFF.
The Star