UN and AU ask Olusegun Obasanjo to re-engage parties as Ethiopia tensions rise

# What happened

# Why Obasanjo was named Obasanjo serves as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and led the mediation that produced the Pretoria agreement between Ethiopia's Federal Government and Tigrayan forces. With the ceasefire and settlement now at risk, the UN and AU backed his renewed mediation and agreed to strengthen coordination behind his efforts.

# Where and when the decision was made

# The immediate ask to the parties

# Broader agenda at the Joint Task Force meeting The task force also reviewed several other conflicts and political transitions in Africa:

• Sudan: The UN and AU said there can be no viable military solution, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, rejected the creation of any parallel government, and urged inclusive Sudanese dialogue toward civilian-led governance. The meeting condemned external interference and military support that fuel the conflict.

• Somalia: The task force reaffirmed support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission and emphasized the need for sustained international backing. Somali stakeholders were urged to pursue dialogue toward an inclusive agreement on elections.

• African, regional and international peace initiatives, called for an effective permanent ceasefire, and supported plans for an inclusive national dialogue.

• South Sudan: Delegates called for national consensus ahead of planned December elections and urged authorities to address outstanding gaps in preparations.

# Operational and financing issues The meeting reviewed UN-AU cooperation on conflict prevention, mediation, early warning, human rights, and support for African-led peace operations. Participants highlighted implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides a framework for predictable financing of eligible AU-led peace support operations on a case-by-case basis. The meeting also welcomed new agreements on operational support and knowledge exchange signed during UNGA81.

# What comes next Obasanjo's mediation. The next statutory meeting of the Joint Task Force will be hosted by the African Union Commission. The immediate diplomatic priority is to get the Ethiopian parties back to direct talks under the Pretoria framework to reduce the risk of renewed large-scale violence.