Mekelle, Ethiopia—October 12, 2024: Getachew K. Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, held a high-level meeting in Mekelle today with Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK’s newly appointed Minister for Africa, and Darren Welch, a senior official from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). The discussions centered on critical issues affecting Tigray, Ethiopia, and the wider Horn of Africa region.
In a statement following the meeting, Getachew described the dialogue as “constructive” and highlighted the wide-ranging topics they addressed. These included peace-building efforts in Tigray, the region’s post-conflict recovery, and its role in regional stability. The talks also explored ways in which the United Kingdom can support Tigray’s reconstruction and development.
“The Africa Minister expressed his government’s support for Tigray’s efforts to deepen peace, rehabilitate, and recover,” Getachew said. “More importantly, he emphasized Tigray’s rightful role in ensuring the stability of the region.”
The UK’s assistance will primarily focus on areas such as health, education, and food security—critical sectors that have been severely impacted by the recent conflict in Tigray. Lord Collins reiterated the UK government’s commitment to aiding Tigray’s recovery and helping the region achieve “a modicum of normalcy.” The humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict has left many people displaced, and efforts to restore essential services and infrastructure are ongoing.
During his visit, Lord Collins also met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and war-disabled veterans, where he pledged continued UK support for demobilization and reintegration efforts. The UK government has played a key role in humanitarian aid during and after the conflict, and this visit underscores its ongoing commitment to the region.
In their discussions, both sides stressed the importance of peacefully resolving internal conflicts within Ethiopia. Getachew underscored that lasting peace can only be achieved if stakeholders “focus on the bigger picture” and work collectively to address the crises that continue to affect millions of Ethiopians.
The meeting marks a significant moment in the international community’s engagement with the Tigray region, which endured a devastating two-year war. While a ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2022, the road to recovery has been slow, and challenges remain in rebuilding war-torn communities.
For Tigrayans, the visit by the UK Minister for Africa is a symbol of international solidarity, and the discussions held in Mekelle may prove vital in shaping the next steps toward sustainable peace and recovery in the region. The international community, led by nations like the UK, will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that peace and stability take root not only in Tigray but across Ethiopia.
As the meeting concluded, Getachew Reda expressed optimism about the future, noting that while the road ahead is challenging, it is through such constructive engagements that real progress can be made.
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