Peace talks between the Ethiopian government and rebels from its northern region of Tigray are progressing well in the South African capital of Pretoria where host President Cyril Ramaphosa has warmly welcomed both sides and their mediators, an official said on Thursday.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said South Africa is committed to the African Union’s objectives of silencing the guns, hence the decision to host and provide assistance to the peace talks.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa readily agreed when he received the African Union’s request for South Africa to host the peace talks,” Magwenya said.
He added: “Such talks are in line with South Africa’s foreign policy objectives of a secure and conflict-free continent.”
Facilitating the talks are Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU’s envoy to the conflict, supported by former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of South Africa.
The talks started three days ago and are expected to end on 30 October, the official said.
NM/jn/APA