PM Abiy Says Pretoria Agreement Remains a Major Chapter in Ethiopia’s Peace Efforts

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed on 2 November 2022 between the federal government and the then TPLF as a major chapter in Ethiopia’s peace efforts, saying the process should be viewed not merely as a negotiated settlement but as a broader peace initiative that has produced tangible outcomes.

Responding to questions from members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives during its 30th regular sitting of the fifth year of its tenure, the Prime Minister reflected on the significance of the agreement and the progress made through its implementation.

Prime Minister Abiy said the Pretoria process created a platform where the two sides of the conflict sat together for dialogue as equals, emphasizing that the decision to pursue negotiations demonstrated a commitment to peace.

He said that after gaining military advantage, the government could have chosen a different path, but instead opted for a negotiated resolution by engaging in dialogue and reaching an agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

The Prime Minister highlighted the establishment of the Interim Administration in the Tigray Region as one of the major achievements of the peace process. He also pointed to the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program, through which more than 60,000 former combatants received rehabilitation support and were demobilized.

He further cited the release of prisoners and detainees, restoration of public services, and ongoing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and social institutions in Tigray as among the outcomes achieved through the peace process.

Prime Minister Abiy said the Pretoria Agreement represents a significant commitment made to secure lasting peace, adding that its value should be assessed through the lives improved and the stability created through its implementation.

He, however, noted that peace consolidation remains a continuing task, saying there are still forces attempting to undermine the progress achieved. He said some actions aimed at reigniting conflict have affected civilians and created additional challenges for communities seeking stability.

The Prime Minister stressed that the government has continued to exercise patience while working to preserve peace, saying it understands the sources of instability and will take appropriate measures to address challenges while protecting the country’s sovereignty.

He reaffirmed that Ethiopia has the capacity to safeguard peace and security, noting that efforts are underway to further strengthen security and law enforcement institutions in terms of personnel, quality, and technology.