President Yoweri Museveni has met the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen and his delegation at Gulu State Lodge in northern Uganda over the Tigray crisis.
Before setting out for his campaign meeting earlier today, Mr Museveni held discussions with the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen and his delegation at Gulu State Lodge.
“Our discussion focused on the peace and security issues affecting Ethiopia currently. Being one of the oldest countries that was not colonized in Africa, Ethiopia is the pride of the continent. Africa’s problem is that we never discuss ideology, focusing so much on diplomacy. I totally disagree with politics that focus on ethnic federalism. We must emphasise the issue of oneness and common interests because it is the only way we can prosper,” Mr Museveni posted on his social media platforms.
Ethiopia’s central government announced a military operation in the northern Tigray region on November 4 in a dramatic escalation of a long-running feud with the region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The fighting – which has sent thousands fleeing over the border into Sudan – has sparked fears of civil war and concerns it could spread across the region after rockets were fired at an airport in neighbouring Eritrea.
The attack on Saturday was claimed by TPLF which has accused Eritrea of backing the government.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office had earlier on Monday dismissed claims from Ugandan officials that President Museveni would meet with representatives of both sides in an effort to facilitate talks.
Ugandan officials said over the weekend those meetings would begin Monday in Uganda and would involve Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister.
“The claims by various news outlets that Ethiopian officials are expected to take part in mediation talks with TPLF in Uganda are inaccurate and not substantiated,” a government statement had said.
Abiy has previously said any talks can’t begin until the TPLF is fully disarmed, resisting calls from world leaders for an immediate end to hostilities.