Neelam Rahim – neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 minute read
15 September 2022
11:15 am CAT

Head of the Africa Desk at the Media Review Network, Dr Mustafa Mheta, provides an update on Ethiopia and Kenya in this week’s Africa Report.

The war in Ethiopia continues to take its toll on people in the Tigray region.

According to Dr Mehta, the latest news coming out of Tigray is the Tigrayan liberation front has now agreed to a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiation by an appointed African Union negotiator.

He said the African Union is coming in to negotiate to bring peace between the Tigrayans and the government of Ethiopia.

“I think the recently announced ceasefire will hold as the Tigrayans have to take a lot of pressure.”

Until the Tigrayans are ready to give up their armour and join the government, they either integrate their forces into the national army or demobilize them. The propensity to fighting will still be there, he added.

Meanwhile, The African Union has renewed Obasanjo’s mandate to continue negotiations between the Tigrayans and the army.

However, Dr Mehta said he is not a good negotiator.  

“He does not seem to have very good diplomatic skills. Understandably, he is from the military, and they do not make very good diplomats.”

Regarding the outcome of the court petition by Raila Odinga in Kenya, Dr Mehta said the Supreme Court of Kenya dismissed his petition.

“I don’t think there are any other avenues for Odinga to take up this matter again. Unless he resorts to unlawful means, which in my opinion will not work.”

Listen to the Africa Report with Mufti Yusuf Moosajie and Dr Mustafa Mehta on Radio Islam’s podcast below.