Today marks six months since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Pretoria on November 2, 2022, which ended two years of conflict in northern Ethiopia and began a process of peace and recovery that continues today. The success of this African Union (AU)-led process, in which the United States participated as an observer, is a tribute to the AU’s campaign to “Silence the Guns” and to AU Commission Chairperson Faki’s leadership as well as the extraordinary efforts of the AU’s High-Level Panel.
The United States commends the parties for the significant progress on COHA implementation, which has led to the restoration of essential services, flow of humanitarian aid, TPLF turnover of heavy weapons, release of detainees, the initiation of a comprehensive and inclusive transitional justice process, and establishment of an interim regional administration in the Tigray Region. The United States urges continued follow-through, including by deploying additional monitors for the protection of civilians and conducting an effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process. The complete withdrawal of Eritrean and non-federal forces from the Tigray Region and a credible transitional justice process, including accountability for those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, will be key to achieving sustainable peace in northern Ethiopia.
The successful peace process in northern Ethiopia highlights the opportunity to bring peace to the Oromia Region as well. The United States welcomes the beginning of talks in Tanzania, announced by Prime Minister Abiy, between the government of Ethiopia and members of the Oromo Liberation Army and encourages all parties to negotiate in good faith toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
The United States reaffirms the importance of its partnership with Ethiopia and commitment to work together on these and other issues of mutual interest.
Official news published at https://www.state.gov/statement-marking-six-month-anniversary-of-the-cessation-of-hostilities-in-northern-ethiopia/
