U.S. envoy heads to Ethiopia to discuss Tigray peace talks
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
July 24, 2022 (NAIROBI) – U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, is heading to Ethiopia for meetings with senior government officials to discuss peace talks.
“Special Envoy is travelling to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia between July 24-August 1,” the U.S. State Department announced on Saturday.
His latest trip to Addis Ababa is taken as Washington’s fresh push to bring warring Ethiopian parties to a negotiating table in a bid to end the conflict in the northern part of the country.
Washington has long been at the forefront, pushing the warring parties to end hostilities and reach a negotiated resolution to the conflict, an end to human rights abuses and violations, and unhindered humanitarian access to the war-torn Tigray region.
The 18-month-long war between Tigrayan forces and Ethiopia’s government, among Africa’s bloodiest conflicts, has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and displaced millions.
During his visit to Ethiopia, Mike Hamer will evaluate the ongoing efforts to advance peace negotiations between the Ethiopian government and rebellious Tigray leaders.
While in Ethiopia, Special Envoy Hammer will have an opportunity to review progress on the delivery of humanitarian assistance and accountability for human rights violations and abuses committed in the Tigray war.
“The United States remains committed to advancing diplomatic efforts in support of an inclusive political process towards lasting peace, security, and prosperity for all people in Ethiopia,” the statement said.
Negotiation teams
The planned visit to Ethiopia will be Hammer’s second since he was appointed as the third special envoy to the Horn of Africa by the United States in June.
His visit comes a few days after Tigrayan leaders announced forming a team of negotiators for peace talks with the Abiy government.
A week earlier, Addis Ababa announced that the work of the seven-member Government Negotiating Committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonon has started duty.
Although the two parties have expressed their desire for peace talks, nothing has yet been announced about when and where the talks would take place.
GERD dispute
During his stay in Ethiopia, the special envoy will also hold meetings on potential ways of finding a lasting resolution to the long-running dispute over the controversial Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD)
“He will provide U.S. support towards forging a diplomatic resolution to issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region” the statement added.
On this regard, the special envoy is slated to consult with the African Union, under whose auspices the tripartite negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan will occur.
Pre-visit talks
A few days ago, U.S. Special Envoy Hammer, has met and held talks with Seleshi Bekele, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the US and former minister of Water Irrigation and Energy.
According to local media outlets, the two exchanged ideas on the current developments in Ethiopia such as humanitarian supply to conflict and drought-affected areas in various parts of Ethiopia, the National Dialogue, the AU-led peacebuilding process, and recent updates regarding the trilateral negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as well as AGOA exclusion of Ethiopia.
U.S. Special Envoy reiterated that the U.S. government recognizes the positive and encouraging efforts being taken by the government of Ethiopia.
Ambassador Seleshi further briefed Hammer on the status of the AU-led peace initiatives to restore lasting peace and stability in the horn nation.
Hammer on his part expressed his government’s readiness to support the Ethiopian people and see the peace process successful.
The two officials also discussed the current status of the GERD, which Ethiopia is preparing to conduct a third filling despite concerns from Downstream countries of Sudan and Egypt.
In this regard, Ambassador Seleshi briefed Hammer on Ethiopia’s fair position and on the recent efforts to resolve Nile dispute under the leadership of the African Union.
The special envoy on his part expressed hope that the three countries would reach a binding agreement in a win-win approach.
(ST)