AU welcomes TPLF' readiness for talks with Ethiopia's Govt

ADDIS ABABA - The African Union [AU] has welcomed the decision by Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF] government to embrace mediation efforts for the sake of peace in northern Ethiopia, a move that could end a 22-month impasse in the Horn of Africa nation.

Moussa Faki, the African Union Commission boss on Monday said the move signifies the readiness of the African countries to solve internal conflicts without necessarily inviting outsiders. It was the first time TPLF accepted mediation led by the African Union.

The AUC Chairman asked both parties to first embrace a ceasefire for the sake of peace, adding that the international community should support the process for the sake of transparency and openness. The two parties have been handling mischief for the last couple of months.

"The chairperson underscores this positive development as an opportunity towards the restoration of peace in the federal republic of Ethiopia. The chairperson welcomes the statement by the Tigray government for its readiness for negotiations in line with a similar call made by the government of Ethiopia," read the statement.

"He urges both parties to work towards a ceasefire, and engage in direct talks with the supervision of the African Union that is inclusive and to the standards of the African Union. The chairperson also asks the international community to support the peace initiative."

In fact, fighting had been renewed in the Tigray region after Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] was accused of invading Tigray with the assistance of the Eritrean troops and the Amhara regional militia, leading to fierce battle across the estranged state of Ethiopia.

A statement released by the Tigray government's External Affairs office indicated that the region was set to embrace an AU-led process, a complete U-turn from the previous approach. The TPLF had backed the government of Kenya to be fully behind the process of mediation, a suggestion that was rejected by Ethiopia.

"We expect a credible AU-led mediation. This peace process will also expect mutually acceptable mediators and international observers who will help the parties to build mutual trust, and instill confidence besides supporting the implementation process, " the TPLF said.

Fighting in the region started in November 2020 and it's been going on for months now despite instances where the ceasefire was temporarily accepted.

The war has left thousands of people dead and millions displaced according to the United Nations, which has been pushing for humanitarian assistance in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE