Today marks two years since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The implementation of the CoHA has delivered on important developments such as restoration of basic services, humanitarian access and the return of some Internally Displaced Persons. While acknowledging the complexity of the process, the EU calls on all parties to redouble efforts to ensure that implementation continues for the benefit of all Ethiopians living in the northern part of the country.

At the same time, we continue to urge for a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts in the country. Human rights must be respected at all times, in accordance with Ethiopia’s continental and international obligations. In this regard, a credible and victim-centred Transitional Justice process, for which the Government of Ethiopia has undertaken preparatory work, is vital.

We urge all parties to engage in the ongoing National Dialogue, which must be fully inclusive, in particular as regards the voices of women and youth. The EU is ready to deepen our engagement with Ethiopia on the basis of April 2023 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions.