Ethiopia and TPLF Strategize Ceasefire Implementation in Bilateral Talks
Ethiopian authorities and representatives from the Tigray region engaged in discussions on Monday to address persistent challenges surrounding the implementation of a ceasefire agreement established in November 2022.
The agreement, formalized in Pretoria, South Africa, marked the conclusion of a protracted and deadly conflict spanning over two years. According to the terms, the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) committed to disarming, demobilizing, and relinquishing heavy weaponry to the federal army. In return, Ethiopia pledged to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid, expel foreign forces, and allocate funds to reconstruct areas affected by the conflict.
Despite the initial accord, leaders from Tigray have alleged that Addis Ababa has failed to uphold its end of the bargain, showing reluctance to implement crucial clauses outlined in the agreement facilitated by the African Union. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta are leading the mediation efforts.
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2020 when TPLF fighters initiated hostilities by attacking federal troops stationed in Tigray. This assault resulted in the loss of lives among soldiers and the theft of military equipment.
The ongoing talks between Ethiopia and Tigray seek to address and resolve the outstanding issues hindering the full realization of the ceasefire agreement. The involvement of respected African leaders, including Obasanjo and Kenyatta, in the mediation process underscores the regional importance and commitment to finding a durable solution.
The international community is closely monitoring the progress of these negotiations, as a successful resolution would not only bring relief to the people affected by the conflict but also contribute to the stability of the broader Horn of Africa region.
As both parties engage in dialogue, the focus remains on fostering mutual understanding, trust, and commitment to the agreed-upon terms. The mediation process led by Obasanjo and Kenyatta serves as a testament to the diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ethiopia and address the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in the wake of the prolonged conflict.
