The African Union (AU) today successfully convened the Second Strategic Reflection Meeting on the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This important meeting was held under the stewardship of the AU and the High-Level Panel to assess progress, address challenges, and develop strategies for ensuring the successful implementation of the Permanent COHA.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, warmly received members of the Panel and Representatives of the parties. He commended the parties for the significant progress made since the signing of the COHA and expressed gratitude to the Panel Members for their unwavering leadership.
The meeting was enriched by the active participation of the Parties (FDRE and TPLF), the Observers (the United Nations, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the United States of America, and the European Union), and the three Member States providing the Team of African Experts (Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa). The deliberations focused on political dialogue between the FDRE and TPLF. They agreed on engaging and identifying topics, focusing on the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) process. The parties recognised advancements in the return of IDPs and the DDR process and agreed on a phased execution.
The AU appreciates the sustained support from the Governments of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa for the AU-led process. It acknowledges the continued support from bilateral and multilateral partners towards the full implementation of the Permanent COHA and calls for additional support.
The AU High-Level Panel will remain engaged in support of the Northern Ethiopia peace process. The AU remains committed to facilitating dialogue and supporting the peace process in Northern Ethiopia.
For further information, please contact:
Sheku Tejan Sesay, Senior Political and Reporting Officer, MVCM | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 902 246 2205 | E-mail: SesayS@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 929 48 7749 | E-mail: Chem-LangheeP@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Lulit Kebede, Communication Officer | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 911 21 1183 | E-mail: LulitK@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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