EU & Western Allies: Tigray Fighting Warning to Uphold Peace Deal

• The European Union and several Western governments have issued a joint warning against renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region.
• They urged all parties to constructively implement the 2022 Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), which ended large-scale fighting but leaves several provisions unresolved.
• Outstanding issues include the status of Western Tigray, the return of displaced persons, and the TPLF's political status.
• African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo has intensified mediation efforts, though Tigrayan authorities note a lack of tangible progress from recent discussions.
• International concern is heightened by Tigray's existing drought and humanitarian needs, with the US issuing a similar warning.

The European Union, alongside several key Western governments, has issued a stern warning against any resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

The European Union, alongside several key Western governments, has issued a stern warning against any resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. This EU Western Allies Tigray fighting warning underscores deep concerns that renewed hostilities would inflict further devastation upon an area already grappling with severe drought conditions and extensive humanitarian needs. The diplomatic missions involved specifically called for a renewed commitment to implementing the 2022 peace agreement.

This joint declaration originated from the EU delegations to Ethiopia and the African Union, supported by various EU member states and the embassies of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom, all based in Addis Ababa. These international bodies conveyed their "great concern" regarding ongoing developments in northern Ethiopia, urging all parties to engage in constructive and good-faith efforts to uphold the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). The international community's latest intervention aims to exert pressure on the involved parties to prevent political and security tensions from escalating into renewed armed conflict, highlighting the potentially severe humanitarian consequences given Tigray's existing challenges.

The Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), signed in November 2022, was instrumental in bringing an end to the two-year large-scale fighting between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). However, nearly four years after its signing, several critical provisions of this Ethiopia Tigray peace agreement remain unresolved, fueling ongoing instability.

Among the significant Tigray conflict unresolved issues are the definitive status of Western Tigray, the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their homes, complex political questions surrounding the TPLF's future, and broader security arrangements for the region. These outstanding matters represent key sticking points that continue to challenge the durability of the peace accord and contribute to the prevailing political and security tensions.

Amidst these challenges, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, serving as the African Union's High Representative for the Horn of Africa, has intensified his diplomatic engagement. His renewed consultations, including recent meetings in both Addis Ababa and Mekelle, have been welcomed by the international community. Obasanjo has consistently worked to consolidate the peace process, driven by concerns over the long-term viability of the peace agreement.

During his latest visit to Mekelle on August 24, Obasanjo met with Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael. Tigrayan authorities subsequently indicated that this meeting highlighted a perceived lack of meaningful follow-up to earlier discussions held in June. The regional administration had previously identified five crucial areas for dialogue with the federal government: lifting the economic embargo and siege on Tigray; ending military encirclement and de-escalating the security situation; restoring territories described by Tigray as occupied; facilitating the safe and dignified return of internally displaced people; and restoring the TPLF legal political status. Despite Obasanjo's reported intention to return within one to two weeks after consulting federal authorities, Tigrayan officials stated that this expected follow-up did not materialize, and the latest meeting yielded no new proposals or tangible progress from the federal government. Nevertheless, Tigray remains prepared to engage in a credible, time-bound dialogue supported by major international partners.

The international community's growing apprehension is palpable, with the United States issuing a similar warning earlier in the week. The US embassy in Addis Ababa has also urged leaders to prioritize addressing drought conditions. Fears of a potential renewal of the conflict persist among the population in northern Ethiopia, underscoring the fragility of the current peace.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Ethiopia mediation role has been described as critical by the US, highlighting the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts. The EU Ethiopia delegation statement and similar warnings from other Western allies serve as a collective call for all parties to recommit to the peace process and address the fundamental issues that threaten to reignite conflict, particularly given the severe humanitarian context.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the escalating political and security tensions in Tigray for potential impacts on business operations, supply chain stability, and human rights due diligence, particularly concerning the unresolved provisions of the 2022 peace agreement.

Source: Original reporting via news sources.