The Main Peace Committee on August 17, 2022, conveyed a meeting with ambassadors headquartered in Addis Ababa and other members of the diplomatic communities to update on the situation, review the state of affairs in the country’s north, and address other pertinent matters.
The committee’s task is to pursue the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s initiative to end the war in the northern part of the country and other related issues amicably.
The Committee praised Ethiopians for their contributions to the peace endeavour and urged the public to exercise calm and continue and increase their support.
Through the committee, the government has also urged the international community to support the African Union and contribute positively to the success of the peace attempts.
“The Government has declared a unilateral humanitarian truce, has lifted the state of emergency, halted the advance of its troops to Mekelle, released detainees suspected of being affiliated with the TPLF and undertaken other confidence building measures as well. The government is endeavouring and making a serious effort to ensure enduring peace,” a statement by the committee stated.
The committee reiterated the government’s objectives as it reminisced the Ethiopian government’s ongoing declarations of its willingness to participate in peace negotiations without restrictions, at any location, and at any time.
In its deliberations, the Committee emphasized the necessity of easing the suffering of residents in the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regional states that have been devastated by war.
The Committee has emphasized the necessity of reaching a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible in order to achieve this goal, to provide a sustained supply of humanitarian relief, to make it easier for the resume of basic services, and to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The committee also discussed and approved a peace proposal that would result in the completion of armistice and lay the groundwork for future political conversation in order to hasten the process.
“The proposal should be communicated to the African Union High Representative as soon as possible,” the statement read.
Furthermore, this briefing has been given in accordance with the committee’s decision to do so in order to facilitate the conclusion of a truce agreement as soon as possible with the aid of organizations that could support the African Union’s mediation efforts.
The committee has taken note of the necessity to allow a speedy resumption of basic services in the enabling atmosphere that would be established after end of hostilities is reached.
Additionally, work is being done in cooperation with the African Union to make it possible to choose the location and timing of negotiations, get the peace talks started swiftly, and reach a truce agreement as soon as possible.
The Main Peace Committee advised the appropriate subcommittees and took notice of the federal government’s decision to direct institutions that provide services to carry out the essential tasks for the decision’s implementation.
“We commend the support that Ethiopians have shown to the peace effort and call on the public at large to strengthen and continue this support.
We also call upon the international community to stand with the African Union and play a constructive role towards the success of the peace effort,” the committee stated further.