Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday said there is “heavy foreign interference” in the ongoing talks between the government leaders and Tigray administration but remains hopeful a peace pact will be reached, reported The Africa News.
In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Mr. Abiy said the people of Ethiopia can solve their matters despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
“Of course, if there are lots of interventions from left and right, it’s very difficult,” the prime minister said. “Ethiopians should understand we can solve our own issues by ourselves.”
The Ethiopian prime minister also confirmed the federal army’s capture of the Tigray towns of Shire, Axum, and Adwa last month from the rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
He said the government is trying to convince TPLF to respect the law of the land and to respect the constitution. He said that his government is working on convincing the rebel group to accept to operate as a region within a state and if that happens peace will be achieved.
The negotiation talks between the federal government and TPLF leaders began on October 25 in South Africa. It continued on Monday although they were initially expected to end on Sunday. The talks are a part of efforts geared towards ensuring an end in sight for the war that has raged on for roughly two years.
On Monday, the African Union Commission chairperson spokesperson reportedly said “there was no date limitation.” It is unclear when the talks are ending and what issues are being discussed. Last week Ethiopians across the country took to the street demanding the TPLF be disarmed.
Notably, fighting continues in Tigray, where federal Ethiopian troops have been advancing since mid-October, supported by the Eritrean army and forces and militias from the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions.
