12 April 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A delegation led by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Chairman Dr. Debretsion G/Michael traveled to Addis Ababa and had discussion with the leadership of the Prosperity Party (PP).
Discussions between the leadership of the TPLF and the PP began in Mekelle recently.
On November 2nd, 2022, after two years of devastating conflict, a glimmer of hope emerged for Ethiopia. The Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a peace agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, known as the Pretoria Agreement or the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA).
This agreement marked a “critical first step” (Guterres) towards ending the brutal war that had ravaged the Tigray region.
The core of the agreement lies in the commitment to a “permanent cessation of hostilities.” This ceasefire aimed to silence the guns and allow for the commencement of a long road to recovery.
Disarmament was a crucial aspect. The TPLF agreed to disarm its combatants, with a focus on heavy weaponry first, followed by a full disarmament plan.
The Ethiopian government, in turn, pledged to facilitate the lifting of the TPLF’s terrorist designation, paving the way for its return as a legitimate political entity.
The agreement extended beyond immediate military action. It envisioned the restoration of normalcy in Tigray.
This included the withdrawal of Eritrean forces, who had been fighting alongside the Ethiopian government, and the return of federal authority to the regional capital, Mekelle.
Humanitarian access was another key component, aiming to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
However, the path to lasting peace remains arduous. Deep mistrust lingers between the parties.
The agreement is light on specifics regarding accountability for wartime atrocities, which could hinder genuine reconciliation.
The delicate process of disarmament and reintegration of combatants is fraught with challenges. Additionally, deep ethnic divisions and the presence of Amhara forces who fought alongside the government add layers of complexity.
Despite the uncertainties, the Pretoria Agreement represents a crucial turning point. The international community has a critical role to play in supporting its implementation.
Continued monitoring, ensuring humanitarian access, and facilitating dialogue are essential.
The success of this agreement hinges on the commitment of both parties to prioritize peace and forge a path towards a more unified Ethiopia.
This fragile hope must be nurtured. Only through genuine efforts towards reconciliation, justice, and reconstruction can Ethiopia heal from the wounds of war and build a more peaceful future for all its people.
