In what the African Union (AU) termed a new “dawn”, the government of Ethiopia and Tigray rebels have signed a deal to halt their two-year conflict.
This is contained in a joint statement between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF) released on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
As per Article 3 of the Agreement for Lasting Peace and Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, the Representatives of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the TPLF have agreed to announce to the people of Ethiopia and the rest of the world that after 10 days of intensive negotiations, have concluded a peace agreement.
“We have agreed to permanently silence the guns and end the two years of conflict in northern Ethiopia. The conflict has brought a tragic degree of loss of lives and livelihoods and it is in the interest of the entire people of Ethiopia to leave this chapter of conflict behind and live in peace and harmony,” reads the statement in part.
Redwan Hussien Rameto signed on behalf of the Ethiopian government while Getachew Reda represented Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The peace deal was mediated by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta in Pretoria, South Africa.
“It is fundamental that we reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia and to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Thus, Ethiopia has only one national defense force. We have also agreed on a detailed program of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration for the TPLF combatants, taking into account the security situation on the ground,” said a joint statement.
The two parties agreed that the Government of Ethiopia will further enhance its collaboration with humanitarian agencies to continue expediting aid to all those in need of assistance.
Watch Ex – #Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta speak after brokering peace pact between #Ethiopia Gov't and #Tigray Rebels.
"Violence, bullets and guns will not be the solution…"#SoftPowerNews #EthiopiaPrevails pic.twitter.com/GG9qplDSnZ
— SoftPower News (@SoftPowerNews) November 3, 2022
They further agreed to implement transitional measures that include the restoration of Constitutional order in the Tigray region, a framework for the settlement of political differences, and a Transitional Justice Policy framework to ensure accountability, truth, reconciliation, and healing.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the deal as “a first step to bring some solace to the millions of Ethiopian civilians” while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed committed to implementing it.
“To start implementing these undertakings without delay, we have agreed to stop all forms of conflicts, and hostile propaganda. We will only make statements that support the expeditious implementation of the Agreement. We urge Ethiopians in the country and abroad, to support this Agreement, stop voices of division and hate, and mobilize their resources for economic recovery and rehabilitation of social bonds.”
The Government of Ethiopia said it will continue the efforts to restore public services and rebuild the infrastructures of all communities affected by the conflict.
“Students must go to school, farmers, and pastoralists to their fields, and public servants to their offices. The Agreement requires the support of the public for its smooth implementation. This is a new and hopeful chapter in the history of the country.”
The African Union Commission Chairperson, the African High-Level Panel led by His Excellency former President Olusegun Obasanjo, supported by His Excellency former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Her Excellency Dr Phumuzile Mlalmbo, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Commissioner Bankole Adeoye and his colleagues, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, and Her Excellency Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, all worked together to make this agreement possible.
“Violence, bullets and guns will not be the solution…,” said Kenyatta after brokering the peace deal.