Ethiopian crisis: UN, AU chiefs welcome TPLF's announcement of readiness for immediate ceasefire
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The United Nations Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) have welcomed the announcement of Ethiopia's regional government in Tigray of its commitment for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the country as well as to participate in an AU-led peace process.
In separate statements on Sunday, UN chief Antonio Guterres and AUC chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged both sides in the fighting to urgently work towards an immediate ceasefire.
The latest round of fighting between the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF started late last month.
The regional government of Tigray, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), made the announcement on Sunday, Ethiopia's New Year 2015.
"The government of Tigray is prepared to participate in a robust peace process under the auspices of the African Union," Tigrayan authorities said in a statement on Sunday.
"Furthermore, we are ready to abide by an immediate and mutually agreed cessation of hostilities in order to create a conducive atmosphere," the statement added.
A statement by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said the UN chief "is encouraged by the stated willingness of the Regional Government of Tigray to participate in a robust peace process under the auspices of the African Union (AU)".
He said the Secretary-General has called on the parties to seize this opportunity for peace and to take steps to end the violence definitively and opt for dialogue.
"He encourages the parties to engage actively with the AU-led process in good faith and without delay and to create conducive conditions for the talks to take place."
The statement said the Secretary-General also reiterated the preparedness of the United Nations to support the AU-led peace process.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission in his statement welcomed the announcement by the Regional Government of Tigray of its commitment for a peaceful resolution saying the positive development is a unique opportunity towards the restoration of peace in Ethiopia.
"In this regard, the Chairperson particularly commends the regional government of Tigray for its readiness to engage in negotiations, in line with a similar call made by the Federal Government of Ethiopia," the statement said.
The Chairperson further urged both parties to urgently work towards an immediate ceasefire, engage in direct talks, in an AU-led process that is inclusive of mutually agreed international partners.
"The Chairperson reiterates the AU’s avowed longstanding and continued commitment towards a robust and credible peace process, founded on the commendable political courage displayed by both parties, which without delay, should help in delivering on the legitimate aspirations and supreme interests of all Ethiopians for peace, stability and sustainable development."
Mr. Mahamat called on the international community to strengthen support to the ongoing AU-led peace process.
The conflict between the Addis Ababa government and TPLF started on 4 November 2020 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive after TPLF forces attacked a federal army base.
The fighting sparked massive displacement, widespread destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure, loss of employment and a huge humanitarian crisis.
Ethiopia declared a unilateral ceasefire in June 2021 but tension has remained high between the two sides.
-0- PANA MA 12Sept2022
