United States has applauded the signing and launch of African Union’s Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM) in Mekele, which described as another important step toward securing lasting peace for the people of northern Ethiopia.
In a statement released by the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken while calling for the protection of civilians as mandated in the COHA and urged the AU-MVCM to play an important role in monitoring and verifying respect for human rights throughout the former conflict areas.
According to the statement, “The United States stands ready to support the AU-MVCM and full implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement (COHA).
“Which includes disarmament of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) combatants, withdrawal of Eritrean forces, unimpeded humanitarian access, resumption of essential services, implementation of transitional justice.
“We look forward to working with AU panel members and the parties to expedite full implementation of the COHA that leads to lasting peace for the benefit of all Ethiopians.
“The United States will also continue to support the AU’s mandate to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts and promote peace, security, and stability on the continent”, the statement added.
Recall that a momentous step was taken in Pretoria, South Africa on Wednesday 2rd November, 2022 to advance African Union’s campaign to “silence the guns” with the signing of a cessation of hostilities between Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
South Africa played host in the peace talks between the government of Ethiopia and Tigrayan regional authorities facilitated by the African Union Commission over the conflict that have been going on for over a year in the Tigraya’s region of Ethiopia.
AU High Representative, Obasanjo, the former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and the former South African Deputy President, Dr. Phumuzile Mlalmbo the three African mediators during the peace talks in South Africa, visited the capital of Tigray Regional State on 24 November, 2022.
Where they met and discussed with senior leaderships of the Regional State as well as representatives of religious institutions on the progress of implementation of the peace deal, Obasanjo told the leadership of the region that “no country should accept the presence of foreign country on its land.”
Which millions have been displaced with brutal attacks on civilians. Report says it soaring death toll, deliberate attacks on infrastructure And little hope of a negotiated exit as Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region is enduring probably the most brutal and deadly war being waged.