Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says there is “lots of” foreign interference in the African Union-led peace talks which aims to end the conflict in northern Ethiopian region of Tigray.
However, the PM says he is hopeful that a peace pact is achievable as talks between the government and the rebel group, TPLF, in South Africa continues for a second week.
“We are trying to convince TPLF to respect the law of the land, to respect the constitution and to act as one state in Ethiopia,” Abiy told the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Monday.
“Of course, there are lots of interventions from left and right, it’s very difficult,” the PM said.
“Ethiopians should understand we can solve our own issues by ourselves,” he continued. “Instead of listening from… far, we better respect our own law and respect our culture.”
“If we could do that, peace is achievable. I hope we will do that,” he added.
The peace talks, which was expected to be conclude on Sunday, is still ongoing in South Africa.
On Monday, AU Commission chairperson’s spokesperson told AFP news agency that “there was no date limitation” on the talks.
On the ground, the federal Army has taken control of a string of major towns including Shire, Axum and Adowa from the rebel group.
In these cities, Abiy states that the federal government is providing humanitarian aid to residents.
“It’s our minimum responsibility to assist and provide services to our citizens including Tigray,” he said, “We are doing in all our capacity to do that.”
Ethiopian Electric Utility on Tuesday announced that electric supply has resumed in the towns of Alamata, Korum, Waja, Timuga and Kobo, following restoration work on electric transformation lines destroyed in the conflict.
