Lessons Learned Report from the AU-Led Peace Process for the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

Abstract

The conflict between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF erupted in November 2020. The AU initially deployed Special Envoys to mediate, followed by the appointment of H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo as AU High Representative in 2021, later joined by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in 2022. Their mediation efforts led to direct talks in Pretoria, culminating in the signing of the COHA on 2 November 2022. The agreement ensured a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and restoration of services. Key lessons from the process included AU neutrality, ownership of the mediation by Ethiopia, confidentiality management, strategic observer engagement, financial independence, and logistical flexibility. Despite the absence of guarantors, AU monitoring mechanisms maintained progress. The AU’s leadership in the process has been widely commended, and lessons from this mediation will inform future peace efforts on the continent.