A cease-fire could help to calm a conflict that has decimated Africa’s second largest country. It also threatens to do the same in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia is seen as a crucial security ally of the West. The cease-fire comes as the country waits for the results of the national elections, which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmad promoted as the core of reforms that earned him the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.
Many observers have been shocked by Abiy’s shift from making peace to wage war since November’s Tigray fighting. The world has been unable to reach much of the region since then and has had to investigate increasing allegations of atrocities, including gang rapes or forced starvation.
State media carried Ethiopia’s statement shortly after the Tigray interim government, which was appointed by the federal governments, fled Mekele as its capital. It called for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds to ensure that the desperately needed aid can be delivered. The arrival of Tigray troops was celebrated by residents in Mekele.
The cease-fire will allow farmers to till their land, aid organizations to operate without military movement, and engage with remnants of Tigray’s former ruling party who seek peace,” Ethiopia’s statement stated. It also said that efforts continue to bring Tigray’s former leaders to justice.
Ethiopia stated that the cease-fire would last until the Tigray planting season. September is the season’s last day. The cease-fire was ordered by the government to all federal and regional authorities. This is crucial because authorities and fighters from neighboring Amhara regions were accused of atrocities committed in western Tigray.
Abraham Belay, head of the interim government, stated that the government must find a political solution. He also said that certain elements from Tigray’s former ruling parties are open to working with the federal government.
The Tigray fighters were not available for comment, as Ethiopia had previously rejected negotiations. There was also no comment from Eritrea, the neighboring country whose soldiers were accused by Tigray residents as having committed some of the most horrific atrocities during the war.
As Tigray’s former leaders, as well as their supporters, are pursued by Ethiopian and allied forces, thousands have been killed and humanitarian groups plead for greater access to the 6 million-person region.
In recent days, the region has witnessed some of the most intense fighting in the conflict. After a military strike on Tigray’s busy market, more than 60 people were killed in an airstrike, international pressure on Ethiopia grew again.
The United Nations children’s agency stated that Ethiopian soldiers invaded its Mekele office and destroyed satellite communications equipment. This was in the midst of the chaos on Monday. It claimed this act violated the immunity of the world body. UNICEF warned last week that 33,000 children who are severely malnourished face an “imminent danger of death” if they don’t receive more aid to Tigray.
