Dialogue, not guns, solution to Ethiopian conflict

By yesterday, fighting in Tigray region in Ethiopia, which has been going on for a week now, is said to have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.

Reuters, citing unnamed officials, reported that clashes between federal and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Kirakir had resulted in the deaths of nearly 500 troops on the Tigrayan side. It is difficult to verify the claims as there is a communication blackout in Tigray after government cut off the internet, mobile network and landline telephony.

But there is little doubt that the situation is bad. And that the conflict might not end soon as predicted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (pictured), who says the offensive is meant to disarm the TPLF and has “clear, limited and achievable objectives”.

That, as many have warned, might not be the case as Tigray military is well armed and battle hardened. Ethiopia could be staring at another protracted conflict. That’s not good for the country or even for the region that is wracked by several conflicts.

There is therefore need to find a quick solution. Mr Abiy, who won last year’s Nobel Peace Prize for helping end the Ethiopia-Eritrea border conflict, no doubt understands the value of peace. But curiously, he is yet to heed world leaders’ advice, including from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, to silence the guns. Granted, his government has been badly angered by Tigray’s decision to hold elections against its wish and the alleged attack on a military base by the region’s forces.

But be that as it may, armed confrontation is not the answer. The African Union should move with speed and spearhead talks between the two sides. Luckily, Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael, who is also the chair of TPLF, has indicated his side is ready to negotiate.

Fighting might yield peace, but it’s likely to be transient. Talks might result in long lasting peace. Give dialogue a chance.