NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – Ethiopian Government officials and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) held a meeting in Nairobi to discuss the disarmament process in accordance with the peace agreement signed in South Africa.
Speaking at the Moran Centre in Karen, former President Uhuru Kenyatta said he is convinced that a permanent resolution will be achieved in a peaceful way between Ethiopia and TPLF.
“We are convinced that these brothers who know each other well, will be able to work and formulate together the best way to bring a permanent cessation and resolution to the problem that has confronted our brothers and sisters, our mothers and children from Ethiopia in a peaceful way,” said President Kenyatta.
The former head of state remained optimistic that the ultimate goal of celebrating in Addis Ababa would be achieved even as they inch closer to having a meeting in the city of Mekelle.
“I am certain that after this process, we will work together for the betterment of Ethiopia and the African region. After this process, all will join in our struggle to make Africa a better place and to end and silence the guns permanently so that we can focus on the well-being of our people,” he said.
Uhuru who has been part of the three arbitrators leading the peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front which kicked off in October in South Africa further lauded the two parties for fulfilling their commitment.
“I am convinced that just as President Obasanjo has said, it is a meeting of colleagues who know each other and colleagues who I am certain that the conclusion of this process will be colleagues who will work together for the betterment of Ethiopia,” the Head of State added.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the African Union mediator lauded the top military leaders of the two sides for agreeing to meet.
“I believe that the fact that they are here, everybody hopes that the progress that they expect will be achieved,” said Obasanjo.
From the signed agreements, the warring parties will cease hostilities and silence guns in principle in the Tigray region and work on ending the war without delay.
According to Article 6 of the Pretoria Peace Deal, the parties agree to organize a meeting of senior commanders within five days from the signing of the peace agreement to discuss and work out detailed modalities for the disarmament of the TPLF combatants, taking into account the security situation on the ground.
The Commanders meeting facilitated by the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo with other panels hopes to come up with modalities for silencing the guns, humanitarian access and restoration of services in the Tigray region.
