THE AFRICAN UNION APPROACH FOR PEACE SETTLEMENT: THE CASE OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA AND THE TIGRAY PEOPLE’S LIBERATION FRONT

Abstract

This study is intended to investigate the African Union's approach to peace settlement in the case of conflict between the government of the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. To achieve this, the study examined the African Union's efforts, achievements, and challenges in implementing the peace process using a qualitative research approach and descriptive research design. In doing so, the researcher used both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data were collected from key informants who were selected through the purposive sampling technique, and the secondary data were collected from documentary sources. A descriptive method was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study make it clear that the African Union approach to peace settlement was successful, that a peace process was effective, and that it has proven that the notion of African solutions to African problems is actually implemented on the ground. As well, from the AU’s diplomatic effort in Ethio Tigray’s peace process, various lessons were learned. Besides, the AU continues to make progress in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the end of hostilities, and the essential services that have also been maintained and restored to those in conflict-affected areas. On the other hand, the African Union has faced certain challenges in implementing the peace process; this includes a lack of funds, unwillingness aspirations from parties, and a weak institutional system. Thus, it is recommended that the Horn of Africa regional bodies, the African governments, and other external actors like the US, UN, and EU voluntarily provide the relevant skills and resources to perform the mandated tasks of the African Union.