Obasanjo gives roadmap for ending of Tigray conflict

ADDIS ABABA - Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has given a roadmap for ending of the current conflict in the Tigray region which has left thousands of people dead, millions displaced and others facing starvation due to food shortages.

The federal government of Ethiopia has been at loggerheads with the Tigray Defense Forces [TDF] for the last 13 months and efforts to reconcile both parties are yet to bore any meaningful progress. Obasanjo was appointed as the AU envoy to the Horn of Africa.

In a document handed over to the AU Peace and Security Committee, Obasanjo highlighted the recent developments in Ethiopia, including the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission coupled with the promulgation of the necessary legislation.

Moreover, he called for the release of prisoners; the issue of humanitarian access; the general improvement in goodwill, and commitment to dialogue as the only viable approach to address the challenges facing the country, with the facilitation of the AU.

The PSC and the AU High Representative also reviewed the overall situation in the Horn of Africa and mutually recommitted to sharpening the strategy for promoting sustainable peace and stability in the region. The Horn of Africa has been facing challenging moments with Sudan and Somalia also being in the picture.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Jean Kamau, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya and PSC Chairperson for the month of February 2022.

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye in his statement reiterated the AU’s commitment to finding a durable solution to the situation in Ethiopia, and more critically, to backstop the High Representative in the implementation of his mandate.

The PSC commended the High Representative for his tireless efforts and reaffirmed its unwavering support to his efforts and encouraged him to continue consultations with concerned stakeholders in the region, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the Horn of Africa.

An appeal was also made to the countries in the Horn of Africa to demonstrate commitment towards inclusive dialogue, security, stability, and sustainable peace in the region and to continue to extend their support to the efforts of the High Representative.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been accused by his critics of refusing to solicit sustainable processes of ending the conflict. The United States and other stakeholders have been calling for unconditional dialogue to broker peace between the two parties.

GAROWE ONLINE