Tigray Peace Agreement: Progress and Challenges in Implementation

The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in November 2022 marked a crucial turning point in the Tigray conflict. As implementation continues, communities and observers are assessing progress while identifying ongoing challenges that require sustained attention and support.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

Cessation of Hostilities

The immediate cessation of hostilities has largely held, providing essential space for humanitarian access and recovery efforts.

Humanitarian Access

Improved access for humanitarian organizations has enabled the delivery of life-saving assistance to previously unreachable areas.

Restoration of Services

The agreement includes provisions for restoring basic services including banking, telecommunications, electricity, and transportation.

Disarmament and Security

Arrangements for disarmament and security sector reform are being implemented with international monitoring and support.

Progress Achieved

Humanitarian Improvements

Significant improvements in humanitarian access have enabled organizations to reach previously inaccessible populations with essential assistance.

Service Restoration

Banking services, telecommunications, and electricity have been gradually restored to many areas, improving daily life for communities.

Freedom of Movement

Increased freedom of movement has allowed families to reunite and communities to begin rebuilding social and economic connections.

International Engagement

Renewed international engagement has brought additional resources and support for recovery and development efforts.

Ongoing Challenges

Security Concerns

Localized security incidents and tensions in some areas continue to affect implementation and community confidence.

Humanitarian Needs

Massive humanitarian needs persist, requiring sustained international support and funding for recovery efforts.

Infrastructure Damage

Extensive damage to infrastructure requires significant investment and time to repair and rebuild.

Social Reconciliation

Healing social divisions and rebuilding trust between communities remains a long-term challenge requiring sustained effort.

Community Perspectives

Hope and Cautious Optimism

Many community members express hope for the future while maintaining realistic expectations about the time required for full recovery.

Priorities for Recovery

Communities prioritize restoration of basic services, livelihood support, and educational opportunities for their children.

Participation in Peace Processes

Community leaders emphasize the importance of inclusive participation in ongoing peace and reconciliation processes.

International Support

African Union Role

The African Union continues to play a crucial monitoring and facilitation role in implementation efforts.

Humanitarian Assistance

International humanitarian organizations are scaling up operations to meet massive needs across the region.

Development Support

Development partners are beginning to plan longer-term recovery and development programs to support sustainable peace.

Implementation Mechanisms

Monitoring and Verification

International monitoring mechanisms help ensure compliance with agreement provisions and build confidence in the process.

Coordination Structures

Joint coordination structures bring together different parties to address implementation challenges and maintain dialogue.

Civil Society Engagement

Civil society organizations play important roles in monitoring implementation and advocating for community needs.

Looking Forward

Sustainable Peace

Building sustainable peace requires addressing root causes of conflict and creating inclusive governance structures.

Economic Recovery

Economic recovery and development are essential for providing hope and opportunities for young people and communities.

Transitional Justice

Addressing past violations through appropriate transitional justice mechanisms remains important for long-term reconciliation.

Lessons Learned

Importance of Dialogue

Sustained dialogue and negotiation have proven essential for maintaining momentum in implementation efforts.

Community Engagement

Meaningful engagement with affected communities strengthens implementation and builds local ownership of peace processes.

International Support

Coordinated international support provides essential resources and legitimacy for peace implementation efforts.

The implementation of the Tigray Peace Agreement represents both significant progress and ongoing challenges, requiring sustained commitment from all parties and the international community.