Tigray peace talks hasten to end war - committee

A committee set up by the Ethiopian government to negotiate with Tigrayan forces in an effort to end the civil war said it is working with the African Union (AU) to ensure peace talks begin quickly.

A venue and the time for the talks will be set, the group said.

Preparations are under way to “create conditions that will enable a ceasefire to be declared” and basic services are restored in conflict-affected areas, the committee said in a statement on Wednesday.

A document detailing recommendations is prepared and will be submitted to the AU’s representative, the statement added

Most of Tigray has been without basic services such as electricity, banking and the internet for more than a year.

A humanitarian truce was agreed in March and the amount of aid reaching Tigray appears to have shown a steady increase since - however no cessation of hostilities has been declared.

While the federal government said it will accept negotiations under the auspices of the AU, Tigrayan forces have favoured outgoing Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead the talks.

Tigrayan forces have not responded to the committee’s latest remarks.

Members of the committee have also briefed diplomats on the expected talks in Addis Ababa.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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