The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed his deep concern over the recent developments in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, which threaten to undermine the fragile stability achieved after two years of devastating conflict. In an official statement, Faki called on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and fully adhere to the terms of the peace agreement signed in Pretoria.
Background of the conflict and the Pretoria Peace Agreement
The conflict in the Tigray region erupted in November 2020, stemming from escalating political tensions between the Ethiopian federal government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which had dominated the country's politics for decades. The conflict quickly devolved into a full-blown war, involving Eritrean forces and regional militias, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. International reports indicate that hundreds of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, famine is widespread, and human rights abuses are rampant.
Following intensive diplomatic efforts led by the African Union, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front signed a "Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement" in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, on November 2, 2022. The agreement stipulated the disarmament of Tigrayan forces, the restoration of federal authority over the region, and the guarantee of unhindered access for humanitarian aid, which constituted a turning point that halted the fighting and opened the door to the reconstruction and reconciliation process.
The importance of stability and its regional impact
The head of the commission stressed the paramount importance of preserving the gains achieved under this agreement, warning that any backsliding could plunge the region back into a cycle of violence. He called on all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine mutual trust and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including border disputes and the return of displaced persons.
The stability of Ethiopia, as Africa’s second most populous country and the headquarters of the African Union, is a cornerstone of security for the entire Horn of Africa region. The conflict in Tigray has directly impacted neighboring countries such as Sudan and Eritrea, and has generated widespread international concern. Therefore, the success of the peace process is not only of local importance but also a regional and international imperative to prevent the outbreak of new conflicts and further destabilization of an already volatile region.
The African Union reiterated its readiness to expand its support and facilitate dialogue between the parties, and to provide the necessary confidence-building mechanisms to ensure a lasting, just and sustainable peace in the Tigray region and throughout Ethiopia.
