Mekelle፡ 4th November 2023(Tigray Herald)
The United States calls Ethiopia and Eritrea to “refrain from provocation”
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On the 1st anniversary of the Pretoria agreement, the US has issued a statement calling Ethiopia and Eritrea to refrain from provocation.
In a statement released on November 2, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized the importance of respecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries in the Horn of Africa region.
This cautionary statement follows escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, triggered by Ethiopia’s renewed claim to access the Red Sea. Additionally, the U.S. urged Eritrean forces to complete their withdrawal from the Tigray region.
One year ago, the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities in Pretoria, South Africa, effectively ending a two-year-long conflict. While this agreement succeeded in silencing the guns, the situation in Ethiopia remains fragile due to the continued occupation of Western Tigray and the presence of Eritrean forces, which pose a risk of regional instability.
On the anniversary of the Pretoria agreement, various parties expressed their perspectives:
#Tigray Interim Administration: “The task of liberating our people who are still under occupation, returning our displaced citizens to their land, and securing the constitutional territorial integrity of Tigray lies ahead. Our people continue to suffer.”
#TPLF: “The legal status of the TPLF was revoked in a manner that contradicts the Pretoria agreement and the decision of the House of Peoples Representatives of Ethiopia.”
TPLF argues that this action jeopardizes the Pretoria agreement and the Interim Government established in Tigray after the agreement.
Government of #Ethiopia: “The Pretoria peace agreement has bolstered Ethiopia’s diplomacy and improved its relations with countries and international organizations,” stated Meles Alem, the spokesman for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing on November 2, 2023.
Human Rights Watch: “The United Nations and concerned governments should continue exerting pressure on the Ethiopian government to fulfill its commitments, ensuring the protection of civilians and establishing clear benchmarks for victims’ access to justice.”
#EU: “The EU reiterates that further progress on accountability and justice is crucial”
#UK Et al. also called for “the implementation of a credible transitional justice and accountability process for the victims of atrocities”.
