Africa-Press. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over recent developments in parts of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, calling on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.
In a statement, the African Union said the Commission Chairperson reaffirmed the critical and ongoing importance of preserving the hard-won gains achieved under the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, signed on 2 November 2022 in Pretoria between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, under African Union auspices.
The statement said the Commission Chairperson “calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could undermine trust”, urging them to “resolve all outstanding issues through constructive dialogue, in full compliance with the commitments and spirit of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement”.
The African Union reiterated its unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the agreement, renewing its continued support to the parties throughout the peacebuilding and reconciliation process.
It added that the African Union remains ready to expand its facilitation of dialogue, cooperation and confidence-building among the parties, through its High-Level Panel on Ethiopia, to support sustainable peace and stability in the Tigray region.
Clashes erupted last week between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray units, raising fears of a renewed conflict that previously claimed the lives of around 600,000 people.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he is closely monitoring developments in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where renewed tensions and reported clashes have contributed to a deterioration in the security situation.
In a statement attributed to his spokesperson, Guterres expressed deep concern over the potential impact on civilians and the risk of a return to a broader conflict “in a region still striving to rebuild and recover”.
He called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and confidence-building measures, urging the full implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and stressing the importance of safeguarding the gains made since 2022.
Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ readiness to work with the African Union and regional partners to help consolidate peace in the Tigray region.
