Peace talks between Ethiopia’s government and Tigray rebels to end a devastating conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region began Tuesday in South Africa, according to a presidency spokesman.
Talks expected to end nearly 2-year conflict
South Africa hopes the talks will proceed constructively and result in a successful outcome that leads to lasting peace for all Ethiopians, Vincent Magwenya told reporters.
The African Union-led (AU) talks come weeks after clashes intensified between government forces and Tigray fighters.
The talks are being facilitated by a panel led by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa.
Other members are Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, a former deputy president of South Africa.
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The talks are expected to end a nearly two-year conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions more since November 2020.
There has been intense fighting in the northern region since a monthslong truce was shattered in late August, with reports of mass casualties and other rights violations.
A report released by UN rights experts last month accused both sides of committing abuses that border on war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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