Ethiopia committed to peace initiative of Olusegun Obasanjo under the auspices of the AUC.

Addis Ababa, April 15, 2022 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting on Thursday at his office with Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security.

During their discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister noted the constructive peace-building initiatives that the Government of Ethiopia has been undertaking so far.

He said the release of high-profile political figures from prison, the lifting of the state of emergency before its due time, and the proposed National Dialogue demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister stressed that the Ethiopian Government took into account the well-being of its citizens in the Tigray region when declaring the indefinite humanitarian truce that paved the way for unfettered access to humanitarian aid in the region.

In connection with that, he said, aside from the frequent humanitarian flights made to Mekelle, the delivery of aid to Tigray has been facilitated via road transport, including yesterday’s WFP and UN-led humanitarian convoy that headed to Mekelle carrying food items and fuel.

The two sides also underscored the need to encourage and support the peace initiatives of the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa (HoA) region, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen reaffirmed to Ambassador Bankole Adeoye that Ethiopia would remain committed to the peace initiative of the former Nigerian President under the auspices of the AUC.

Discussing the trilateral negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s firm commitment to resume the AU-led negotiations maintaining its stance for a win-win outcome.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on his part, appreciated the peace measures taken by the Ethiopian Government, further expressing hope that the initiatives bring about durable peace in the country.