Addis Ababa, 16 June 2022: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, today received the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.E. former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who briefed him on his ongoing engagements relating to the execution of his mandate in the Horn of Africa.

 The Chairperson specifically acknowledges the commitment of the parties involved in the Ethiopian conflict, to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through significant confidence-building measures undertaken including the lifting of the national state of emergency, release of detainees and prisoners of war, setup of the National Dialogue Commission, humanitarian truce and declaration of ceasefire, and the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from the Afar region.

The Chairperson welcomes improvements in humanitarian access and support to the affected regions, following the humanitarian truce and ceasefire.

The Chairperson notes that these measures resulted from intensive engagements, through shuttle diplomacy, by the AU High Representative, culminating in an overall lull in hostilities and reduction in violence, which should be consolidated. 

 The Chairperson commends the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF for the steps taken towards peaceful resolution of the conflict and encourages them to continue on the path of political dialogue, in the spirit of the Communique of the 1045th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council.

Furthermore, the Chairperson lauds the High Representative for his tireless efforts towards a negotiated solution, while expressing solidarity with the people of Ethiopia in their quest for durable peace and reconciliation.

The Chairperson calls on the international community to continue supporting the people of Ethiopia and the ongoing AU-led peace process.