ADDIS ABABA— The regional government of Tigray vowed that it is committed to implementing a cessation of hostilities effective immediately if the people of Tigray receive humanitarian aid equivalent to their needs within a reasonable time frame.
“The Government of Tigray will do everything it can to make sure that this cessation of hostilities is a success,” the statement read, further urging authorities to take concrete steps to facilitate unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray.
The federal government yesterday announced its decision to declare a humanitarian truce citing the need to take ‘extraordinary measures to save lives and reduce human suffering.’
The Tigray state reiterated its willingness and readiness to resolve the situation peacefully. However, it stressed the need to lift the blockade of humanitarian aid and the restoration of telecommunication and banking services. The statement concluded by asserting that linking political and humanitarian issues are unacceptable. “Nonetheless, the people and Government of Tigray will do their best to give peace a chance,” the statement read.
The federal government Thursday announced its decision to declare a humanitarian truce citing the need to take ‘extraordinary measures to save lives and reduce human suffering.’
The federal government said that thousands of people from Tigray are fleeing to the neighboring Amhara region in search of assistance and emphasized the need for urgent measures to ensure that those in need are able to receive aid in their localities.
The federal government also called on Tigrayan forces to withdraw from areas they have occupied in neighboring regions. The federal government expressed optimism that this truce will pave the way for the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray began in November 2020, when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) went ahead with regional elections in Tigray State, despite a central government decision to postpone polls due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
An attack by Tigrayan militants on an Ethiopian army base followed the regional elections, leading to a conflict that has seen the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians and Tigrayans fleeing their homes to neighbouring countries. There has also been reports from organisations such as Human Rights Watch, of various human rights violations by Ethiopia, Eritrea forces and Tigrayan militants. Reports of the burning of civilians, allegedly by Ethiopian forces, have also been received.
Ethiopia has been slammed by organisations like the UN who urged the government to allow for unhindered aid to people, while the AU remained unclear, despite seeking support for its peace mission to Ethiopia, which was led by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. Ethiopia has also been faced with proposed sanctions, particularly from the U.S..
Peace in Ethiopia would be more than welcome for Africa and the rest of the world, particularly in light of the current conflict between Russia and the Ukraine.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK