On Sunday, The African Union (AU) convened a high-level meeting today at its headquarters to review the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), which ended the two-year war in Tigray. The meeting, titled “What Can We Learn from the Agreement?”, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Tigray Interim Administration, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and the Ethiopian federal government, to discuss progress, challenges, and the way forward.
Commitment to Peace and the Return of IDPs
Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, emphasized the urgent need to address the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. “The most important focus should be the returning of IDPs to the constitutionally mandated territories of Tigray,” he stated. “This issue should be addressed in a manner that ensures sustainable peace and security in the entire region.”
He further called on the international community, the AU, and the Ethiopian federal government to prioritize the resettlement of women and children suffering in IDP camps. “We will continue to commit ourselves to the cause of peace,” he added, underscoring the importance of collective action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, Chairman of the TPLF, acknowledged the significance of the COHA as a milestone but highlighted critical unresolved issues. “While the cessation of hostilities has been a significant achievement, we must address key components such as the constitutional restoration of occupied territories, the withdrawal of non-ENDF forces, the resettlement of displaced persons, and the legal reinstatement of the TPLF,” he said.
Dr. Debretsion stressed the need for accelerated action and unwavering commitment from all signatories to the agreement. He also called for enhanced monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure adherence to the terms of the agreement and build confidence among stakeholders. “At this critical moment, the AU’s and the international community’s continued engagement are essential,” he added.
Protecting the Agreement from Spoilers
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Gedion Timotheos, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the peace agreement from internal and external spoilers. “We must protect the agreement from those who seek to undermine it,” he said, urging all parties to remain committed to the principles outlined in the Pretoria agreement.
AU’s Role in Mediation and Monitoring
The meeting featured a progress report presented by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as the AU’s chief mediator during the negotiations. Both leaders highlighted the achievements of the agreement while acknowledging the challenges that remain. They reiterated the AU’s commitment to supporting the peace process and ensuring its successful implementation.
A Call for Sustained International Support
The discussions underscored the need for sustained international engagement to address the humanitarian, political, and security challenges in Tigray. Participants agreed that the return of IDPs, the withdrawal of foreign forces, and the restoration of constitutional order are critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.
