The African Union warns of tensions in Tigray and calls for calm
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed his deep and growing concern over the recent security and political developments in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, warning against a return to violence. This statement comes at a sensitive time, as the region experiences tensions that could threaten the fragile stability that has been painstakingly achieved. The African official called on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize dialogue.
The importance of adhering to the Pretoria Peace Agreement
In his official statement, the Chairperson of the Commission stressed the utmost and continued importance of preserving the gains and results achieved under the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, on November 2, 2022. This agreement is the cornerstone in ending a bloody two-year conflict between the Ethiopian Federal Government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, a conflict that left thousands dead and caused severe humanitarian crises and the displacement of millions of people.
The statement called on all parties to immediately refrain from any hostile or provocative acts that could undermine mutual trust, stressing the need to resolve all outstanding issues and emerging disputes through constructive dialogue, with full commitment to the text and spirit of the signed agreement.
Historical context and repercussions of the conflict
These warnings come in a complex regional context, as the Horn of Africa has suffered from instability for years. The conflict in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020, has cast a dark shadow over the Ethiopian economy and social relations between different groups within the population. The Pretoria Agreement represents a glimmer of hope for ending the region's isolation, restoring essential services, and rebuilding what the war destroyed. Therefore, any violation of this agreement could be a potential catastrophe that would return the country to square one.
Regional and international impact of Ethiopia's stability
The importance of stability in Tigray extends beyond Ethiopia's internal affairs to encompass the regional security of the entire Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, with its demographic and political weight, is a cornerstone of the region, and any instability there could negatively impact neighboring countries such as Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia. Therefore, the international community and the African Union are closely monitoring the situation, fearing that current tensions could lead to new waves of displacement or external interventions that would further complicate the situation.
The Chairperson of the Commission concluded his remarks by noting the African Union’s full readiness to expand its efforts in facilitating dialogue, promoting cooperation and building trust among the various parties, in support of sustainable peace and stability in the Tigray region and throughout Ethiopia, stressing that political solutions are the only way to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the peoples of the region.
