The European Union and Norway called for renewed political dialogue between the signatories of the Pretoria agreement ahead of upcoming general elections in Ethiopia, marking the third anniversary of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
Signed on November 2, 2022, the CoHA brought an end to a two-years of a deadly war that killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe that claimed the lives of innocent civilians. While the agreement successfully halted large-scale fighting, efforts to consolidate peace and fully implement the agreement have faced challenges.
In a joint statement, the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, together with the diplomatic missions of its member states and Norway, welcomed progress in restoring basic services, improving humanitarian access, and facilitating the return of some internally displaced persons. They also highlighted the implementation of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programs as a commendable step.
However, the statement stressed that political dialogue is critical for lasting peace. “We call for the resumption of political dialogue between the CoHA signatories ahead of the upcoming general elections,” it said, adding that accountability, human rights particularly for women and girls and victim-centred transitional justice are essential for healing and reconciliation.
The CoHA, brokered under African Union, marked a historic step in silencing the guns in Tigray and promised a better future for war ravaged Tigray however three years after the signing of the agreement lasting peace remains elusive in Tigray and tensions between signatories are rising stocking fears of return to war.