Name? Abiy Ahmed
Westphalian identity? Ethiopian
Age? 46
Why is he in the news? Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopiahas been in the news for the past two years for the war in the Ethiopian Tigray region. However, yesterday, Abiy announced, via Twitter, that peace talks between the two warring sides have been completed. The ceasefire agreement between the two sides finally ends one of the bloodiest wars on the planet right now.
Why do we care? After over almost two years of the international community trying to end the conflict, a peaceful resolution has been made in South Africa with help from the African Union. While Abiy called the Tigray War a victory for Ethiopia, he looked to sound diplomatic in promising a peaceful and development-focused future for Ethiopia. However, the extent to which Abiy can truly reconcile with the Tigray population will be important for his mandate and regional stability.
Why should you care? No one knows exactly how many people have died in the war yet, however, some researchers estimate around a half million Tigrayans have died since it began. On top of the loss of life, thousands of people have been forced to evacuate to neighbouring Sudan and many others pushed to famine. You should care 10/10 that this ceasefire agreement has been signed, putting an end to the war and its immediate effects.
Who else cares? Besides the entire international community who tried to end the conflict caring about this situation, one important player is Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki. Eritrean troops were seen fighting in the Tigray region, so President Afwerki’s absence from the peacemaking negotiations will raise eyebrows as the ceasefire prohibits Abiy from colluding with outside forces.
Any further comments? As part of the negotiations, the Tigray election results of 2020 are to be nullified, Tigray fighters will be disarmed, and the TPLF will no longer be categorized as a terrorist organization in Ethiopia.
