Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has landed in Ethiopia for a meeting set to evaluate the Tigray peace deal.

Uhuru arrived alongside other African Union Negotiators at the capital of Tigray, Mekelle, on Thursday.

The said deal, the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, was signed on November 2, between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

On November 7, the African Union Commission convened the First Senior Commanders’ Meeting following the signing.

The meeting was aimed at inducing modalities for silencing guns, humanitarian access, and the restoration of services in the Tigray region.

Uhuru expressed hope and confidence that the AU negotiators will achieve its duty and restore duty in the region.

“We are indeed making tremendous progress. It is a plus that parties have agreed to a series of activities and actions all aimed at returning the state normalcy in Tigray and Ethiopia,” the African Union Commission High-Level Panel Member said on December 23.

The Ethiopia government- TPLF conflict began on  November 2020 after months of tension, and has destroyed so many lives and livelihoods.

There are around 5.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, including 3.8 million who need healthcare, the World Health Organisation said.

Thousands have been killed, with allegations of serious human rights violations committed by both sides.

The Star