Status: 09/12/2022 12:49 p.m
There are signs of a chance for peace in the embattled Tigray region in Ethiopia: the rebels have expressed their willingness to negotiate with the African Union. Fighting broke out again in August.
After nearly two years of armed conflict, rebels in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have agreed to hold peace talks led by the African Union (AU). “The Government of Tigray stands ready to engage in a robust peace process under the auspices of the African Union,” the Tigray authorities said.
They are also willing to comply with a ceasefire. But there must be “intermediaries acceptable to both sides”. In addition, international observers and experts must be involved in the peace process.
Guterres: Take the chance
The African Union, the US, the United Nations and the EU welcomed the readiness. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the parties to the conflict to “seize this opportunity for peace” and “finally end the violence”. Guterres indicated that the UN is ready to support the AU-led peace talks.
Most recent ceasefire in March
In November 2020, a war broke out in Tigray, which also spread to neighboring regions. A ceasefire was agreed last March, fueling hopes for peace talks. In August, after five months of relative calm, fighting broke out again between the rebels and government troops.
Fighting in Africa’s second most populous nation has displaced millions and killed thousands of civilians. Parts of Tigray have plunged into famine, leaving millions without basic supplies.
The renewed fighting prevented aid shipments to Tigray. The UN accuses all parties to the conflict of serious human rights violations.