GSTS has extended its congratulations to His Excellency, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on his election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Additionally, an urgent appeal has been made for his leadership, urging him and the AUC to prioritize the swift implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA).
In particular, GSTS has respectfully requested his esteemed leadership to:
1.Swiftly convene a high-level strategic review Meeting, engaging both global and regional actors, including the US, UN, IGAD, EU, and UK, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the progress of the CoHA implementation. This meeting should result in the development of a time-bound strategy with clear deliverables, accompanied by robust monitoring, verification, and compliance mechanisms to ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria CoHA and Nairobi Declaration. Furthermore, it is essential to facilitate regular meetings between the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and Tigray authorities, with the peace mediators present, to maintain momentum and troubleshoot any roadblocks in the CoHA implementation process and take swift corrective actions where necessary;
2.Exert full pressure on the government of the FDRE to immediately and completely remove all foreign forces (Eritrean) and non-ENDF Amhara Regional forces from the constitutionally recognized territories of Tigray, as stipulated in the Pretoria CoHA and the Nairobi Executive Declaration (Article 2.1(d)); facilitate the dignified and voluntary return of millions of IDPs and tens of thousands of Tigrayan refugees in Sudan to their homes (Article 5.3 of the CoHA); and, ensure the full representation of Tigray in Federal institutions (Article 9.2 of the CoHA);
3.Facilitate an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue. The African Union (AU) should actively encourage and press all parties to the Pretoria CoHA to engage in meaningful discussions on political and governance matters that address the underlying causes of the war;
4.Recognize and uphold the principle that the fight against historical injustices is inextricably linked to the struggle against contemporary injustices, such as the ongoing violence and human rights violations in Tigray. The pursuit of reparatory justice under the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” must be seen as part of a broader movement for social justice, equality, and human rights for all Africans. True justice for Africa cannot afford to be selective. While reparations are vital in acknowledging past wrongs, they must also address the continuing suffering of the Tigray people. Therefore, we urge the integration of justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during and after the war in Tigray into the AU’s broader peace and security agenda. This will not only help prevent the recurrence of such atrocities but also contribute to lasting peace across Ethiopia and throughout the Horn of Africa;
5.Undertake a visit to the Tigray Region and meet with officials of the Tigray Interim Administration, the recently established Tigray Interim Council, representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors of weaponized sexual violence, political parties, civil society organizations and humanitarian organizations operating in Tigray, to gain firsthand insight into the situation on the ground, and the urgent needs of the affected communities; and
6.Provide comprehensive support to the Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) to effectively execute its mandates and responsibilities including restoring basic services and infrastructures; ensuring peace, safety, and human security; upholding the rule of law in the region; and implementing Tigray’s post-war recovery and reconstruction endeavors – including people-centered reform and transformation packages.
