After two years of fighting, Ethiopia and Tigray decided to terminate their conflict. Unfortunately, thousands perished during the war.
Both nations agreed to halt all acts of hostility directed at one another. Olusegun Obasanjo, the representative of South Africa, reported that the meeting between Ethiopia and Tigray went well, with the countries agreeing on “orderly, smooth and coordinated disarmament,” as well as their intentions to reestablish the peace and order of their respective borders and revive basic social services. Last but not least, all citizens should have access to humanitarian aid that has not been blocked.
Ethiopia will adhere to the agreement, according to Redwan Hussein, the lead negotiator for Ethiopia. He also wants the other party to “honor” the contract. The Tigrayan negotiator, Getachew Reda, mirrored the same ideas. He stressed the significance of ending their “painful” war. According to Redwan, the war reached its second year last Friday, causing “an enormous level of destruction.”
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The war between Ethiopia and Tigray
Eritrea, actively fighting alongside Ethiopia, must still respond to the most recent development. Since Eritrea was not included in the peace negotiations, the parties must ensure that Eritrea accepts the modified conditions. Ethiopia and Tigray eagerly anticipate the response from its government.
The neighboring Amhara region also takes part in combat with Tigray forces. Amhara, like Eritrea, chose not to participate in the peace negotiations. This makes things more challenging. How the parties to the protracted war accept its terms will determine whether the agreement is effective.
“Amharas cannot be expected to abide by any outcome of a negotiations process from which they think they are excluded,” said the Amhara Association of America chairman, Tewodrose Terfi.
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Providing basic services
Authorities in Tigray are concerned about how they can quickly resume services, particularly healthcare. The conflict seriously harmed the healthcare system and made many illnesses more difficult to treat. Reports state that many healthcare facilities lack vaccines, therapeutic supplements, and insulin. Meanwhile, a large number of people have died from illnesses and starvation. As a result, United Nations human rights investigators concluded that the Ethiopian government had used starvation as a weapon in warfare.
“We’re back to 18th-century surgery. It’s like an open-air prison. It entirely depends on what the government agrees to. If they genuinely give us access, we can start moving very quickly, in hours, not weeks,” said one source.
In November 2020, hostilities began. At first, only Tigray and Ethiopia were involved. But as the conflict continued, the tension spread to include Amhara and Afar, among other areas. Drone attacks and bombings in the middle of the war resulted in the deaths of 101 civilians and 265 injuries in just two incidents. However, when the worst happened, the nations sought to regain their vigor. The new agreement should give the nations and bordering regions a fresh start.
“We need to replicate the victory we got on the battlefield in peace efforts, too. So we are finalizing the war in northern Ethiopia with a victory. We will now bring peace and development,” said the prime minister of Ethiopia.
Photo Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Source: NPR
