The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on Friday called for the utmost restraint in the Ethiopian region of Tigray.
The AU said in a statement that Mr. Youssouf was closely following the situation in parts of the Tigray region, located in the far north of the East African country, and was “deeply concerned by recent developments.”
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He “once again stressed the crucial and continued importance of preserving the hard-won gains under the agreement on permanent cessation of hostilities mediated by the AU between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).”
Mr. Youssouf called on all parties to exercise “the utmost restraint, avoid any action that could undermine confidence, and resolve all outstanding issues through constructive dialogue” and to fully respect the obligations and spirit of the peace agreement, the statement said.
He reaffirmed the 55-member group’s “unwavering commitment” to the “full and effective implementation” of the peace agreement and reiterated that the AU would continue to support all parties throughout the peacebuilding and reconciliation process.
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The statement added that the AU remains ready to intensify its efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building among the parties concerned to support lasting peace and stability in the Tigray region.
The latter was the center of a two-year conflict between allied forces of the federal government and TPLF forces, which plunged millions into urgent need of humanitarian aid. The two parties signed a peace agreement in November 2022, ending this deadly conflict.
Reports of clashes in parts of the Tigray region in recent days have raised fears of a possible resumption of a wider conflict.
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Xinhua
