ADDIS ABABA- The Ethiopian government’s unilateral ceasefire decision has opened up opportunities for peace, so said Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy-Secretary General of the United Nations (UN).
Briefing the media yesterday, the deputy-secretary general Amina J. Mohammed said that: “I was in the field visiting with the AU special envoy to see the effect of the war in the war-torn states.”
According to her, the Ethiopian government’s decision not to continue the war further opened room for peace. “Since the announcement of the decision, there has been less hostility, much better place for the conservation and dialogue in the country.”
The government initiatives for the national dialogue itself would also pave the way to peace in the country. Besides, the visit also has helped her to see the efforts that have been made by the government of Ethiopia for peace, she said.
She affirmed that the UN will support the efforts that will be made by Ethiopia since peace is the journey of solidarity and development for the country.
“I have seen the tragedy of the conflict and the problem in Ethiopia has been causing a serious humanitarian crisis, particularly to women, and children. Hence, the UN will play its part in order to settle the problem with discussion and understanding of the UN workers residing in Ethiopia.”
Moreover, humanitarian assistance and aid should be strengthened in the war-affected areas, she underlined.
The Deputy-Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Amina J. Mohammed has visited conflict areas with President of Ethiopia Sahle-work Zewde to see people affected due to the conflict and other related problems.
She has also met the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen and grasped issues related to the conflict, the lifting of the State of Emergency (SoE), the proposed national dialogue, the restraints of the government from engaging in conflicts, and the unfettered access allowed to humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas are testaments to the government’s commitment to lasting peace in the country.
She has discussed with officials and elders in Semera, the capital of the Afar state.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General with Ethiopian President Sahle-work Zewde and AU special envoy former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has also paid a visit to war-torn states of Ethiopia to see people affected due to the conflict and other related challenges, it was learnt.
BY EPHREM ANDARAGCHEW
THURSDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2022
