IGAD 'optimistic' for future Ethiopia-Oromo rebel talks
IGAD's executive secretary Workneh Gebeyehu appealed to the parties "to uphold their commitment to the peace process in the best interest of the people of Ethiopia".
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said on Wednesday it was "optimistic" about further talks between Ethiopia's government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) despite the latest mediation ending without agreement.
The second round of peace negotiations between Addis Ababa and the OLA, a rebel group from Ethiopia's restive Oromia region, failed to reach an outcome despite the support of IGAD and international partners.
More To Read
- Climate funding falling short for East Africa’s vulnerable communities, IGAD warns
- UN urges Ethiopia and Eritrea to respect border pact amid rising tensions
- Djibouti confirms Eritrea’s formal exit from IGAD regional bloc
- IGAD regrets Eritrea’s ‘premature’ withdrawal from regional bloc
- Eritrea withdraws from IGAD for second time, citing ‘failure to meet aspirations of the region’
- Peace on paper, pain in reality: Tigray’s forgotten suffering, struggle for justice
The Ethiopian government on Tuesday disclosed the collapse of the two-week-long peace negotiations aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict in the Oromo region.
Redwan Hussein, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s national security adviser, confirmed the conclusion of the talks in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing that no agreement was reached.
Both sides accused each other of obstructing progress at the unsuccessful talks hosted in Tanzania aimed at ending a bloody five-year insurgency marked by ethnic massacres of civilians.
Commitment to peace
IGAD's executive secretary Workneh Gebeyehu appealed to the parties "to uphold their commitment to the peace process in the best interest of the people of Ethiopia".
"Dr Workneh is optimistic that the two sides will initiate a new round of talks to address and resolve the remaining issues," IGAD said in a statement.
"IGAD will continue to remain seized of the situation and stands ready to provide unwavering support to both sides in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the situation."
The OLF is said to have presented proposals aiming for "a substantial shift in governance," advocating for inclusive governance and the participation of all political parties from the Oromo region.
The government focused on arrangements exclusively with OLA, echoing the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed with the TPLF in November last year, according to sources.
This marks the second instance where talks between the Addis government and the OLF have been inconclusive.
Additional reporting by AFP
Top Stories Today
