Published on: 02/11/2022 – 17:52
A “peace agreement” for a “cessation of hostilities” in Ethiopia was signed this Wednesday in Pretoria, South Africa, between the federal government and the authorities of Tigray. This agreement was reached after a week of tough negotiations under the aegis of the African Union. It remains today to implement it.
Therefore, on the afternoon of November 2, 48 hours after the commemoration, an unexpected “peace agreement” was signed Two years war in Tigray. A war that lasted until the last few hours on the ground and that is now a matter of ending it. This will be the challenge of the former belligerents. “This is not the end of the peace process, it is the beginning,” said African Union mediator Nigerian Olusegun Obansajo.
This was also recalled by the head of the Tigrayan delegation, Getachew Reda. “Only our collective determination will prevent the disruptors, including within our own ranks, from destroying the peace,” he said in a rather cautious impromptu speech, but still saluted his “brothers from Addis Ababa”. And to add: “We always felt that this war was forced upon us. Now that we are here to sign an agreement, to at least look at the possibilities of making peace, it will be a relief, not just for the people of Tigray, but for all the people of Ethiopia.”
Ethiopian government representative Redwan Hussein, reading a text, pledged “respect for the letter and the spirit” of the peace accord and asked for support in rebuilding the country as “the extent of the destruction is massive.” He also spoke of the need to build a future together. “From now on, it is up to all of us to honor this agreement. We must be true to that letter and respect its spirit. The Ethiopian people expect even more. They demand peace, harmony and deserve development,” he said.
Both the minister and the Tigrayan representative unanimously pledged to “put the conflict behind”. Then, in solemn silence, delegates signed the joint text which they hope will mark the beginning of a new era.
“New chapter in the history of the country”
As a “peace agreement,” the text signed on Wednesday is above all a ceasefire, reaffirming that “the guns are silent” and that propaganda will stop. Preceded by a “Joint Declaration”, it contains an agreement on the end of the military option, accompanied by a political roadmap.
Important chapters are proposed in these pages to be implemented in concrete terms: the preservation of Ethiopia’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”, respect for its constitution and the unity of its national army. A “disarmament and demobilization program” for the Tigrayan armed forces is announced, but taking into account “the security situation on the ground,” the text says. Finally, it heralds humanitarian access to vulnerable populations.
Politically, he conjures up “interim measures” for “returning to constitutional order” in Tigray, a framework for dispute settlement and transitional justice. Public services must be restored and infrastructure repaired, say the signatories, who in their joint declaration ask for the “support” of the population for “a flexible implementation” of this “new chapter in the history of the country”.