Ethiopia – “The two parties in the Ethiopian conflict have formally agreed to the cessation of hostilities as well as the systematic, orderly, smooth and coordinated disarmament,” VOA quoted African Union’s lead mediator and former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo as saying.
The Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on Wednesday reached an agreement to end a two-year-long crisis.
“The two parties in the Ethiopian conflict have formally agreed to the cessation of hostilities as well as the systematic, orderly, smooth and coordinated disarmament,” VOA quoted African Union’s lead mediator and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as saying.
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The warring parties last Monday arrived in South Africa to commence another round of peace talks after previous attempts failed. The talks were expected to last until 30 October but were extended till today (Wednesday).
The talks were facilitated by Mr Obasanjo, ex-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa.
Observing the process were representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the UN and the US.
Speaking after the truce was reached, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to the VOA, said, “as we’re completing the war in the north with victory, we have to bring peace, development and ensure Ethiopia’s prosperity, so we make those forces that (cause) conflict among Ethiopians from afar feel shame.”
“If a victory found in war isn’t repeated in peace, if the peace found through victory isn’t repeated with prosperity, Ethiopia’s existence/sovereignty will inevitably be violated one way or another,” he added.
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, congratulated both parties on the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. He said, “by signing this agreement to silence the guns and end the armed conflict, the people of Ethiopia now have the opportunity to establish a long-lasting peace.”
Source – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/
