Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-02-22 11:20:26
United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, together with Horn of Africa Special Envoy Mike Hammer, urged Ethiopian and Somali leaders to address their tensions through dialogue during an online briefing. Phee emphasized that the question of Somaliland’s status “ought to be settled by the people of Somalia,” encompassing those in Somaliland, and not by “external actors.” She acknowledged Ethiopia’s “valid concern” regarding port access through Somalia and urged “respect for Somalia’s sovereignty.” Phee further stressed that such issues should be resolved cooperatively with the federal government of Somalia and neighboring countries, suggesting that a regional approach based on cooperation and regional economic and security integration could help resolve the issue. She emphasized the need for the tension created following the MoU signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland to be de-escalated, as “the region cannot afford more conflict.”
Mike Hammer, Horn of Africa Special Envoy, updated on the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement during the briefing, noting progress as well as outstanding priorities for the deal’s success. He expressed U.S. support for the full implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), while highlighting issues requiring further action, such as the need for the disarmament of Eritrean troops on Ethiopian territory and the return of internally displaced people to their homes.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, and Mike Hammer held a discussion in Tigray’s capital, Mekelle, with regional leaders to address the humanitarian crisis in the region, including the return of displaced individuals, the restoration of constitutional norms pre-dating the war, and the rehabilitation of ex-combatants. The special envoy also announced a $15 million U.S. commitment for the launch of crucial post-conflict disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.
A recent report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) highlighted persisting challenges present in the Tigray region following the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). The report noted significant challenges in the full recovery and operationalization of basic services in sectors such as education and health and the full functionality of the law enforcement sector.
Assistant Secretary Phee and Horn of Africa Special Envoy Mike Hammer also discussed security issues in the Amhara and Oromia regions during the briefing. Phee stressed U.S. concerns about civilian impacts from clashes between security forces and armed groups in the two regions and signaled a willingness to help facilitate reconciliation talks if there is genuine political will from the parties involved.
In conclusion, the U.S. officials emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving regional tensions and expressed readiness to assist in facilitating reconciliation talks. They reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflicts and highlighted the need for all parties involved to engage in genuine dialogue to address the challenges.
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