What U.S. Special Envoy achieved in Ethiopia two weeks visit
The United States Government has issued the following statement in relation to the achievement of its Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer who stayed in Ethiopia for two weeks.
“SEHOA Mike Hammer arrived in Ethiopia on September 5 to encourage efforts for an immediate stop to the fighting and participation by the government of Ethiopia and the Tigrayan regional authorities in African Union-led peace talks. Special Envoy Hammer met with Ethiopian officials, AU representatives and international partners to discuss next steps. He returned to Washington on September 16. During high-level week starting September 19, he will continue to diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly, New York.
During his visit to Ethiopia, Special Envoy Hammer met with the AU’s High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo on several occasions to discuss how the United States can partner to support the peace process.
Additionally, SEHOA Hammer met his counterparts, UN Special Representative to Secretary General Hanna Tetteh, and EU SEHOA Annette Weber. Assistant Secretary Molly Phee attended the inauguration in Nairobi of Kenyan President Ruto. She also promoted diplomatic efforts aimed to get AU-led negotiations started in pursuit of peace.
The United States welcomes the Government of Ethiopia’s restatement of its continued readiness to participate in talks, as well as the September 11 statement by Tigrayan regional authorities accepting an AU-led process, including by naming its delegation. These commitments are the basis for the United States seeking tangible follow-through from all parties to this conflict in order to enter into negotiations with good faith.
Special Envoy Hammer and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Tracey Ann Jacobson at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa also met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen to discuss U.S. concerns about the renewed fighting in the north of Ethiopia and Eritrea’s re-entry into the conflict as well as the urgent need to redouble efforts to begin AU-led talks aimed at bringing a permanent end to the conflict.
During meetings with Ethiopian government officials and Tigrayan region authorities, Special Envoy Hammer reiterated that humanitarian access must be unhindered in the Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions. He also stressed the need to respect human right and avoid civilian casualties. He also raised ongoing reports about ethnically-based detentions. He demanded accountability for the perpetrators of atrocities as well as justice for survivors and victims.
He met with the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Minister Gedion Timothewos and Redwan Hussein, National Security Advisor. The United States is committed the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity Ethiopians and seeks peace for all Ethiopians.
Special Envoy Hammer received briefings on the ongoing severe drought in eastern and southern Ethiopia, including delivery of humanitarian assistance as the United States continues to be the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia.”
Source: newbusinessethiopia
