Mekonen said that with the support of the African Union (AU) the remaining tasks are being executed, during a ceremony in which he presented awards to that political organization and to the team of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Commission (PAPS) for critical contributions to the success of the agreement.

After 10 days of dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 2, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front that had engaged in an armed confrontation since late 2020, announced a cessation of hostilities, a peace process mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjon as special envoy of the AU.

In addition to the ceasefire, the pact included the resumption of humanitarian aid to the population of the jurisdiction and healing and reconciliation as pillars to preserve national sovereignty and integrity.

PAPS Commissioner Bankole Adeoye expressed his appreciation for the gesture and said that conflicts in some other African countries can also be resolved by taking the Ethiopian experience as an example.

On the other hand, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said last April that Ethiopia knows the price of war and peace, and possesses the collective wisdom and experiences to build a better and stronger nation.

Mahamat, speaking during an event held in this capital to recognize individuals and institutions that participated in that agreement, recalled that these qualities supported the African country’s credentials as a leader in the Union.

“I know that much remains to be done. The process of political dialogue, transitional justice, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are the activities that require collective efforts. And everything is possible as long as peace is maintained,” he emphasized.

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