As peace begins to return, Eritrean troops start leaving Tigray

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After months of turmoil and pressure from the international community, Eritrean soldiers have started leaving the Tigray region, witnesses said, in what would significantly impact the peace deal which was signed by the Ethiopian government and Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF].

The troops, who have been reinforcing Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] in the war against TPLF, were accused of perpetuating mass killings, particularly targeting innocent civilians in the Tigray region. The troops targeted northern Tigray and western parts, witnesses added.

Already, the soldiers from Asmara started leaving war-torn Shire and the historical town of Axum where mass murder was reported during the two-year rampage which saw women and children suffer the most. The Eritrean soldiers were blamed for the genocide.

The peace deal in Nairobi and Pretoria saw the TPLF agree to be subjected to a disarmament process on condition that Ethiopia pulled out foreign soldiers from Tigray. Also, unlimited access to humanitarian aid and unconditional reinstatement of services in Tigray was part of the deal.

Last week, authorities in Tigray reported that they have surrendered the weapons to the government but regretted that Eritrean troops were still roaming in the region. Ethiopia has also resumed services in Tigray including the landing of the first commercial plane after months of a standoff.

Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel told Reuters he could neither confirm nor deny the information, while an Ethiopian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Eritrean troops were withdrawing from Axum and Shire.

Getachew Reda, the spokesperson of TPLF, has not yet issued a statement over the latest progress but on record, he has insisted that Tigray is committed to obeying the cessation of hostilities in line with the agreement. TPLF had seized several parts of Ethiopia before retreating following pressure from the international community.

The two-year-old siege had paralyzed activities in Ethiopia even forcing members of the international community to call for immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean troops. The UN and the African Union have been integral in pushing for sustainable peace deals in the Tigray region.

GAROWE ONLINE