Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Administrator
Published on 2024-02-14 08:24:32
confirmed “the unilateral ceasefire we have declared had a positive impact”. The ceasefire was declared on Monday, and Abiy Ahmed said it followed the “liberation of Mekelle and the significant fall of its last pocket of resistance.”
The conflict in Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, has been ongoing since November 2020. It began when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) allegedly attacked a federal military base. The Ethiopian government responded with a military offensive, leading to widespread violence and displacement of civilians.
The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with reports of atrocities, mass killings, and sexual violence. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for an end to the violence and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the region. The Ethiopian government has been accused of blocking aid and disrupting communications, making it difficult to assess the situation on the ground.
Abiy Ahmed’s announcement of a ceasefire has raised hopes for a cessation of hostilities and the possibility of addressing the humanitarian crisis. However, there are concerns about the implementation of the ceasefire and the potential for continued violence in the region.
The prime minister emphasized the need for the ceasefire to be “implemented honestly”, indicating a commitment to upholding the agreement. However, there are doubts about whether all parties involved will adhere to the ceasefire and whether it will lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict.
The TPLF has not publicly responded to the ceasefire declaration, and it remains to be seen whether they will agree to the terms laid out by the government. The group has previously rejected calls for a ceasefire and has vowed to continue fighting until the Ethiopian government withdraws its forces from Tigray.
The conflict in Tigray has also raised concerns about the stability of Ethiopia and the potential for broader regional destabilization. The country is already facing internal divisions and tensions between various ethnic groups, and the conflict in Tigray has exacerbated these dynamics. There are also fears that the violence could spill over into neighboring countries and lead to a wider regional crisis.
In addition to the internal dynamics, the conflict in Tigray has also drawn international attention and condemnation. The United States and the European Union have called for an immediate ceasefire and expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the region. The United Nations has also called for an independent investigation into the reports of atrocities and human rights abuses.
The ceasefire declared by Abiy Ahmed represents a significant development in the conflict in Tigray. It offers a potential opportunity to address the humanitarian crisis and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, there are significant challenges ahead, including the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and for a broader political dialogue to address the underlying grievances that have fueled the conflict.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict. This includes providing humanitarian aid to the civilians affected by the conflict and engaging in diplomatic efforts to bring all parties to the negotiating table.
The road to peace in Tigray is likely to be long and challenging, but the ceasefire declaration represents a step in the right direction. It is now up to all parties involved to commit to the ceasefire and to work towards a lasting resolution of the conflict that addresses the underlying political and social issues. Only then can Ethiopia hope to achieve stability and avoid further humanitarian suffering in the region.
Read the original article on The Angola Press Agency
