“There is more talk and dialogue and talk around the national dialogue and the path to peace,” Amina Mohammed told journalists attending an airport press conference upon leaving the capital Addis Ababa.
Emphasize Call of the Secretary-General to end hostilities and find a path to peace, she notes how “Negotiations continue and there is certainly less hostility than there were a few months ago. ”
Last weekend, Ms. Mohammed represented the Secretary-General at the opening of the 35th session of the Council of the African Union (AU), where she talks to African leaders on issues ranging from development and conflict, to the many humanitarian crises beset the continent.
After the meeting, she said that “the opportunity to address Africa’s challenges is enormous”, and stressed the importance of adjusting Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Women and children
During her visit, the deputy police chief met with people living in the regions of Tigray, Amhara, Somali and Afar, where she witnessed firsthand the tragedies of the conflict, while also learning about the efforts efforts of the Government and people of Ethiopia, to end the fighting.
She notes the importance of “hearing from the leaders there, hearing from the people, and really hearing what they hope to be, and how engaged they will be with the path to the future.” this peace”.
“There is never a winner in a conflict,” said Mohammed.
During all her visits, she said, it became clear that “the people who suffer the most in this conflict are women and children.”
“The tragedy that befell women and children, is a tragedy that I hope that Ethiopian men will lead the recovery.“, she speaks.
Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (front row, third left) joins leaders at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia., UNECA / Daniel Getachaw
The United Nations Deputy Chief of Staff called for an immediate end to sexual and gender-based violence and other atrocities, and expressed the need for comprehensive support in terms of physical and mental health. .
She also called on authorities to meaningfully involve women in all recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Time to forgive
On Wednesday, her last day in the country, she visited Afar, where she met the President of the region and clan leaders, among others. She was joined by the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde.
Ms Mohammed was able to witness first-hand the devastating impact the conflict has on children when she visited a hospital in Semera, which treats young victims who lost limbs to unexploded ordnance. .
She notes that resources to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals may exist, but “it takes a lifetime to rebuild trust” and “the fabric of society,” to compensate for losses suffered.
“It takes time to forgive. Certainly, we hope that one does not forget“, she speaks.
Drought in Somalia
On Monday, the Deputy Secretary-General visited Somalia, one of the areas affected by a prolonged drought.
At the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed holds bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali., of UNECA / Daniel Getachaw
Highlighting the negative impact of climate change, she pointed out that Climate action remains an important part of Sustainable development goalsShe also praised the Prime Minister’s plan to build more dams and develop water supply projects.
“Perhaps the biggest appeal we have is for the humanitarian assistance that should have arrived yesterday, the urgency to seek, especially for women and children affected by this,” she said. This is extremely important,” she said.
The United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Ethiopia, Catherine Sozi, a member of the delegation, noted that, by 2021, the Organization could provide more than $18 million in aid to those in need. most in Somalia. Another $20 million is about to be allocated.
Solidarity journey
Concluding her visit, Ms. Mohammed told journalists at the airport that the past five days have been “a journey of solidarity with the Ethiopian people.”
“You’ll find a way [to peace] and we will accompany the Ethiopian people to that peace,” said the Deputy Secretary-General.
“Once we find peace, we can begin our journey back to economic recovery, dignity and livelihoods,” she concluded.
