Both sides in the conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced millions in the northern region of Tigray have agreed to “smooth, orderly and coordinated disarmament” and “restoration of law and order”, according to former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. the main mediator. in the conversations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed the breakthrough and said his “commitment to peace remains steadfast,” in a released statement. “Our commitment to work together to implement the agreement is equally strong,” he added. The landmark agreement ends the conflict in which “war crimes and crimes against humanity” have been committed by both sides, according to a United Nations panel of human rights experts. Here are five key takeaways from the agreement, which stipulated that both sides reject “violence as a method of resolving political disputes” in the future.
“Ethiopia has only one defense force”
The war broke out in November 2020 when Ethiopia’s federal government sent troops into the region after the TPLF accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of consolidating power at the expense of the regions. It pitted the regional force from Tigray against the Ethiopian federal army and its allies from other regions and neighboring Eritrea. In Tuesday’s agreement, both sides “agree and acknowledge” that the Federal People’s Republic of Ethiopia has “only one defense force.” Consequently, there will be a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) program for TPLF fighters. Both sides have 30 days after the signing of the agreement to agree on the timetable for the total disarmament of the TPLF, including light and heavy weapons.
Representation and inclusion for Tigrayans
Based on the agreement, both sides agreed on the restoration of the Federal Government of Ethiopia in Tigray. The TPLF pledged to respect the constitutional authority of the federal government and to “cease all attempts at unconstitutional change of government”. In return, the Ethiopian government pledged to halt military operations targeting the TPLF, restore basic services in the region, and remove the “terrorist” designation of TPLF fighters. The federal government also agreed to ensure and improve the representation of the Tigray region in federal institutions, including parliament, which could prove important as the region has complained of years of marginalization by the federal government in Addis Ababa.
Humanitarian aid
Since June 2021, when Tigrayan rebels retook the area from federal forces, the Ethiopian government has cut off essential services there, leaving people struggling with food shortages and without access to basic utilities. Because of this and the ongoing violence, trucks carrying humanitarian aid have been unable to deliver food to the area. In September, a truck belonging to the World Food Program was hit by debris from a drone strike, injuring the truck driver. Hospital officials have also raised the alarm in the past about running out of food and medical supplies at some facilities in the region. According to the UN, more than 13 million people are in need of food aid in northern Ethiopia. Now, the federal government is committed to allowing unhindered access to aid, with the help of humanitarian agencies, to address these needs – especially for women, children and the elderly. The government also agreed to facilitate the return of those displaced outside the region in due course. The leaders of Ethiopia and Tigray must ensure that the aid is used only for humanitarian purposes.
“Immediate and definitive cessation of hostilities”
The federal government and the TPLF both agreed to “cease overt and covert acts of violence” and also to end “hostile propaganda, rhetoric and hate speech” towards the two sides. Both sides agree not only to respect the constitution of the FDRE but also to respect fundamental human rights to protect civilians and ensure accountability in accordance with the constitution and the AU’s Transnational Justice Policy Framework.
Protection of civilians
The agreement also covered the protection of civilians, particularly the millions of people displaced by violence in Tigray. The agreement also called for an end to sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children, women and the elderly, as well as the recruitment of child soldiers. There have been many reports suggesting that the TPLF has recruited child soldiers and that federal and allied forces are using rape as a weapon. In April 2021, the United Nations Security Council issued its first joint statement on the ongoing crisis, expressing “deep concern” over allegations of human rights violations, including reports of sexual violence against women and girls.
