Ethiopia: towards negotiations between the government and the Tigrayan rebels under the aegis of the AU?

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian Prime Minister, observes a minute of silence during a ceremony in honor of members of the federal police in Addis Ababa, June 5, 2022. AFP - AMANUEL SILESHI

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1 min

Are we heading towards negotiations in Ethiopia, between the government of Abiy Ahmed and the Tigrayan rebels of the TPLF, more than a year and a half after the start of the war in Tigray?

It seems that the process led by the African Union is about to bear fruit.

A humanitarian truce has been in place since March.

Can we expect more?

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With our correspondent in Addis Ababa,

Hope is allowed.

Two delegations are due to meet at the end of June, under the aegis of the African Union and its special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Discussions will likely be held in Tanzania.

Several diplomats talk about the city of Arusha.

The format is not completely defined, but several aspects should be discussed.

In particular the delivery of humanitarian aid, the signing of a ceasefire, as well as the resumption of basic services in Tigray, especially electricity, fuel and telecommunications.

Conversely, land claims will not be on the menu.

►Read again: In Ethiopia, the inclusive national dialogue project is not off to a good start

A few diplomats say they are reasonably optimistic about these talks.

The spokeswoman for Abiy Ahmed's Prime Minister reiterated this week that she is fully committed to the AU process, without however confirming that such negotiations would take place.

►Read again: In Ethiopia, fierce fighting opposes Eritrean soldiers and Tigrayan forces

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• Ethiopia

• Abiy Ahmed

• African Union