Uhuru Honored for Contribution to Peaceful Settlement of Conflict in Northern Ethiopia

• EDITORIAL BRIEF: The recognition of Kenyatta, Obasanjo, and Mlambo-Ngcuka for their contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia is a testament to the successful resolution of the two-year conflict. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of African-led solutions to resolving conflicts within the continent. With the attendance of leaders from both the Ethiopian government and the TPLF, the event showcased the commitment of all parties towards ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was honored on Sunday for his contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia. Kenyatta was part of the leaders who participated in the peace talks that led to the resolution of the two-year conflict, resulting in a peace agreement signed on November 2, 2022, between the Ethiopian government and the regional forces from Tigray.

The ceremony, themed “Enough with war, let’s sustain peace,” was organized by the Ethiopian government to review the lessons learned from the African Union-led and Ethiopian-owned peace process.

At the event held at Friendship Square in Addis Ababa, Kenyatta praised the people of Ethiopia for their commitment to finding lasting peace in the Northern region. He also described Ethiopia as the heart of Africa, a country with enormous potential that has set an excellent example by showing how different nationalities and communities can live peacefully under one flag.

Kenyatta’s remarks at the event highlighted the success of the African Union-led peace process and the commitment shown by African leaders to resolve conflicts within the continent. He praised the leadership of the African Union and emphasized that the successful resolution of the conflict in Ethiopia was a testament to the fact that Africa can resolve its problems.

Alongside Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka were also recognized for their contribution to the peace process. Obasanjo urged the people of Ethiopia to continue honoring the peace agreement and expressed his hope for unity, peace, security, and stability.

Several other leaders attended the event, including the African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, and other dignitaries. The joint African Union Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM) team was also among those recognized during the ceremony.

The Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) interim President Getachew Reda also attended the event, along with other government and Tigray officials. The attendance of both parties to the peace agreement is a positive step towards ensuring lasting peace in the Northern region of Ethiopia.