The African Union (AU) postponed the Ethiopia peace talks scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 8, in South Africa, citing logistic issues.
Associated Press on Friday, October 7, reported that diplomatic sources confirmed the postponement.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had requested organisers to cancel the event scheduled for Sunday, October 9, owing to his conflicting schedules.
According to a communique seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Uhuru, Kenya's special envoy to Ethiopia, further urged the organizers to clarify the protocols to be followed in the mediation process.
"Regrettably, I wish to notify you that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule.
“However, in the interim, and as you consider the possibility for another date for the peace talks, I would be grateful to receive further clarity on the structure and modalities of the talks, including but not limited to the rules of engagement for all the interlocutors invited,” the statement read in part.
Tigray representatives were further said to have sought clarification on the structure of the talks and other assurances.
The government of Ethiopia and Tigray representatives had agreed to attend the peace talks in South Africa.
Uhuru was expected to accompany former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to mediate the talks aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in Tigray, which broke out in 2020.
In March 2022, the two parties declared a truce after a series of negotiations. However, the war rekindled five months later, subsequently capturing the attention of the international community.
AU is yet to issue a statement on the postponement.
