NAIROBI, Kenya (TBEN) – Tigray forces fighting Ethiopian forces say they are ready to abide by an immediate cessation of hostilities and engage in an African Union-led peace process, a major shift in which the government has not yet responded. The statement from Tigray authorities on Sunday evening came amid renewed pressure from the United States and others following the resumption of fighting last month that shattered months of relative calm. Tigray authorities had criticized the AU’s mediation efforts under Special Envoy Olesegun Obasanjo, and their new statement makes clear that they expect “mutually acceptable mediators” along with international observers and experts to guide the process. The Tigray authorities had demanded, among other things, the resumption of basic services and the removal of enemy forces from neighboring Eritrea. The US, the AU and the United Nations welcomed the new statement from the Tigray authorities, and the US called on Eritrea and unnamed “others” to stop fueling the conflict.

Source: Ethiopian News September 12, 2022 07:05 UTC