ADDIS ABABA— The UN expressed hope that the ongoing peace talks between the Ethiopian government and Tigray leaders will lead to an end to the conflict.
After visiting the war-torn regions of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said there are promising developments in the talks and discussions between the warring factions that are “less hostile”.
“We are definitely in a better position right now. There are more discussions,” she told reporters at a news conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
“There is certainly less hostility than there was a few months ago.”
On her visit to war-affected regions, Amina was accompanied by African Union mediator Olusegun Obasanjo, who is also a former president of Nigeria.
During a meeting with women and students in the regions, the UN official stressed that the organisation will not tolerate sexual and gender-based violence.
She urged women to be involved in rehabilitation work, noting that women and children were the greatest victims of the Ethiopian war.
Expressing her solidarity with the victims of the violence, Amina said the UN will continue to support Ethiopia to find lasting peace.
During her stay in Ethiopia, Amina met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Sahle-Work Zewde, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen.
She also travelled to the troubled Tigray region where she held discussions with TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael.
Talking with Tigray State leaders, Amhara State, and federal government officials, Amina said the 15 months conflict in Ethiopia has claimed the lives of thousands of people and forced millions of people to flee their homes.
The UN says nearly 40 percent of people in Tigray are suffering from an extreme lack of food.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK