Gov’t assures readiness to peaceful resolution of conflict

ADDIS ABABA: The Ethiopian government said it remained committed to peacefully resolve the conflict that affected northern part of Ethiopia since November 2020.

The latest statement was made by Legesse Tulu, Minister of Government Communication Services, in a press briefing on Saturday, as he assured the Ethiopian government’s keen intent to resolve the conflict peacefully despite what he described as warmongering acts of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Legesse further underscored the Ethiopian federal government’s commitment towards an “African solutions to African problems” stance, as he emphasized the federal government’s strong stance towards African Union (AU)-led peace efforts.

On Wednesday, the Main Peace Committee established to advance the initiative to peacefully resolve the conflict had emphasized the need to conclude a ceasefire accord.

“In order to ensure a sustained provision of humanitarian aid as well as to facilitate the resumption of basic services and also to resolve the conflict peacefully; the Committee has underscored that there is a need to conclude a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible,” a statement issued by Government Communication Services (GCS) read.

and to resolve the conflict peacefully; the Committee has underscored that there is a need to conclude a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible.

— FDRE Government Communication Service (@FdreService) August 17, 2022

According to the statement, in a bid to expedite the process, the Committee has deliberated upon and adopted a peace proposal that would lead to the conclusion of a ceasefire and lay the foundation for future political dialogue.

The TPLF, which is now a de facto ruler of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, has been designated as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian parliament.

As the conditional cessation of hostilities takes shape allowing the flow of humanitarian aid into the Tigray region, hopes were high over a possible peaceful resolution of hostilities between the federal government and the rebel TPLF.

The Ethiopian government, however, stressed that recent statements by higher officials within the TPLF demonstrate the group is not ready for peacefully resolve the conflict.

(File photo shows Ethiopian map)