The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for maximum restraint to avoid renewed conflict between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), main opposition party in the Tigray region.
In a statement issued on Friday, Youssouf said he is following and monitoring the unfolding security situation in parts of Tigray and expressed deep concern over recent developments.
The chairperson re-emphasized the paramount and continued importance of the preservation of the hard-won gains achieved under the AU-led Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed in Pretoria on 2 November 2022.
According to the chairperson, all parties to the conflict should exercise maximum restraint, refrain from actions that could undermine confidence, and resolve all outstanding issues through constructive dialogue, in full adherence to the obligations and spirit of the Permanent COHA.
The pan-African bloc reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Permanent COHA and reiterates its continued support for the parties throughout this process of peace building and reconciliation.
In this regard, the African Union, through its high-level Panel on Ethiopia, remains ready to scale up facilitating the dialogue, cooperation, and confidence building between the Parties, in support of sustainable peace and stability in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
Thousands of people on Friday took the streets in disputed areas between Tigray and Amhara regions, demanding the Tigray Defense Force (TDF) withdraw from their villages.
MG/as/APA