Question NW4108 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Reply:

South Africa was requested by the African Union to host the Peace Talks between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and also to nominate a representative to join the Facilitation Team.

The request was received positively by South Africa and in addition, nominated former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, to serve on the Facilitation Team, together with the former President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, in support of the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo. The Peace Talks took place from 24 October until 3 November 2022.

South Africa’s role is as per the invitation by the African Union Commission and remains ready to contribute should the Union and/or the Parties request further contribution in the implementation of the “Agreement for lasting peace through a permanent cessation of hostilities between the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front” signed on 2 November 2022 in Pretoria.

South Africa, therefore, plays an important role in the process and will continue to do whatever is required to ensure that this historic Agreement is implemented, so as to silence the guns in Ethiopia.