UN, AU ASK OBASANJO TO RESCUE ETHIOPIA’S PEACE DEAL

The United Nations and African Union have called on former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia and help revive the peace process between the Ethiopian government and Tigray forces.

The call comes amid escalating tensions in the Tigray region, where fighting has intensified and Tigrayan forces have seized the airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire. The developments have raised concerns that the peace agreement that ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war could be undermined.

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, specifically asked Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, to urgently engage the parties and support renewed diplomatic efforts.

The AU said the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement remains the foundation for sustainable peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia. It called for an immediate reduction in tensions and the resumption of direct talks under the agreement.

The United Nations has also expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation and urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian organisations can reach people affected by the fighting.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations supports the AU’s engagement, including Obasanjo’s efforts to reduce tensions and encourage the parties to return to negotiations in good faith under the Pretoria framework.

At a joint UN-AU peace and security meeting in New York on September 26, both organisations reiterated their support for Obasanjo’s renewed efforts to facilitate direct dialogue. They warned that miscalculations could lead to further escalation and called on the parties to uphold the cessation of hostilities.

Obasanjo was appointed by the African Union in May 2026 to support peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. He previously played a central role in the AU-led negotiations that produced the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.