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‘ONE’ unique lady is Commonwealth Queen for Africa!

This year ONE will be competing alongside about 25 other women from all parts of the world and of all ages & abilities for one of the available titles: Including Mrs Commonwealth 2021, Miss Commonwealth, Queen of the friends of Commonwealth, writes Prof. Geetha Upadhyaya

Prof. Geetha Upadhyaya

Esther N Osakwe, popularly called ONE was born in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria where she lived, grew up, completed her BSc(Hons) and started an outreach programme for children ‘Let The Young Ones Come’. About 11 years ago, ready to change the world, Esther relocated to England UK.

Things don’t always go to plan, ‘yet I never stop believing and fighting for a better life for myself and that of my children’ believes ONE.

Since 2004 ONE has been actively involved in community and charitable works mostly in the area of Children and Youth development and empowerment. She has visited a total of 3 out of the 7 continents of the world and actively mentored several young people. ONE also authored her first publication for young people – ‘Money Wisdom’ which available on Amazon.  

Fast forward to 2021, whilst volunteering at Ebony Ambassadors Beauty and Creativity Pageant, the CEO of Miss Commonwealth International Beauty Pageant, Dr Olushola Fawehinmi invited ONE to sign up for this year’s ‘Miss Commonwealth Pageant’ programme. Being passionate about anything creative and charity related ONE jumped at the opportunity.  

The Commonwealth International and the Miss Commonwealth Beauty Pageant is a unique culture pageant where beauty is not age dependant and there is no barrier to participation because the organisation’s mission is delivered by real people of all ages and abilities.

This year ONE will be competing alongside about 25 other women from all parts of the world and of all ages & abilities for one of the available titles: Including Mrs Commonwealth 2021, Miss Commonwealth, Queen of the friends of Commonwealth. 

Just like the pageant’s mission ONE unequivocally stands for the ‘promotion of quality of Life Improvement’, and, incidentally, this is also the name of ONE’s company ‘Life Improvement Consults’!

ONE has a very supportive family who constantly challenge and motivate her to be the best and One just wants to her best for God and for humanity. 

Asian Lite congratulates ONE on becoming the Queen of Commonwealth!

If you wish to know more about ONE and her work, please visit

Osakwe Nonyelum Esther (HRH)

Educator and Consultant

Mental Health, Well-being & Fitness Coach.   

Tel: 01274 787072.   Mobile: 07597372302

https://life-improvement-consults.business.site/

http://meetone.mystrikingly.com/

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USAID official lands in Sudan to support democratic transition

Samantha Power, administrator of the US Agency for International Development, is set to meet with top Sudanese officials including Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan…reports Asian Lite News

Samantha Power who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on genocide landed Saturday in Khartoum, aiming to support Sudan’s fragile transition to democracy before traveling to Ethiopia to press the government there to allow humanitarian aid to the war-torn Tigray region.

Samantha Power, administrator of the US Agency for International Development, is set to meet with top Sudanese officials including Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling sovereign council, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian face of Sudan’s transitional government.

She will also travel to Sudan’s western region of Darfur where she said she investigated atrocities in the its civil war in the 2000s.

“I first visited Sudan in 2004— investigating a genocide in Darfur perpetrated by a regime whose grip on power seemed unshakeable. I couldn’t imagine Sudan would one day be an inspiring example to the world that no leader is ever permanently immune from the will of their people,” Power wrote on Twitter upon her arrival in Khartoum.

Power’s visit to Khartoum is meant to “strengthen the US Government’s partnership with Sudan’s transitional leaders and citizens, explore how to expand USAID’s support for Sudan’s transition to a civilian-led democracy,” USAID said.

Sudan is now on a fragile path to democracy and is ruled by a military-civilian government after a popular uprising led to the military’s ouster of longtime autocrat Omar Al-Bashir in 2019. The Khartoum government, which seeks better ties with the US and the West after nearly three decades of international isolation, faces towering economic and security challenges that threaten to derail its transition into chaos.

The US official would also meet with Ethiopian refugees in Sudan who recently fled the conflict and atrocities in the Tigray region which borders Sudan.

Since the Tigray war began in November, tens of thousands of Ethiopians have crossed into Sudan, adding to the country’s economic and security challenges.

Power’s five-day trip will also take her to Ethiopia as part of international efforts to prevent a looming famine in Tigray, a region of some 6 million people that has been devastated by the months-long war.

Power will meet with Ethiopian officials “to press for unimpeded humanitarian access to prevent famine in Tigray and meet urgent needs in other conflict-affected regions of the country,” USAID said.

The world’s worst hunger crisis in a decade is unfolding in Tigray, where the US says up to 900,000 people now face famine conditions and international food security experts say the crucial planting season “has largely been missed” because of the war.

Ethiopia’s government has blamed the aid blockade on the resurgent Tigray forces who have retaken much of the region and crossed into the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, but a senior official with the US Agency for International Development this week told the AP that is “100 percent not the case.”

ALSO READ: US normalises ties with Sudan

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-Top News Afghanistan Africa News

Afghan void could lead to new terror axis in Africa

Taliban fighters attend a surrender ceremony in Jowzjan province, Afghanistan. (Xinhua_Mohammad jan Aria_IANS)

Experts said that the political vacuum in Afghanistan which has led to a rapid comeback of the Taliban will only bolster these terror groups in Africa…reports Mahua Venkatesh

 Just about a week ago, Ghanas Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said that terror activities in West Africa could increase. Nkrumah even said that the terror outfits are recruiting in Ghana.

“I am sad to say that our security situation in West Africa is getting precarious. Terrorism and piracy are our biggest threats in West Africa,” he told Asaase radio according to Ghana Web.

Experts said that the political vacuum in Afghanistan which has led to a rapid comeback of the Taliban will only bolster these terror groups in Africa.

“There is a power vacuum in Afghanistan, created by the US. We are already seeing how the Taliban is making a comeback. This is a fertile time for terrorism to bloom once again and especially in Africa since it is economically weak,” BK Singh, former joint commissioner of Delhi Police, told India Narrative.

“In fact the Taliban may invite splinter groups to join them � a move that would help in creating a pan Islamic impression,” Singh added.

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Chahar Dara district of Kunduz province, Afghanistan, Jan. 16, 2018. The Kunduz province, as well as neighboring Baghlan and Takhar provinces, have been the hotbeds of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to attack the government forces in the once relatively peaceful region. (Xinhua/Ajmal Kakar/IANS)

If immediate action is not taken, the new hub for terror outfits will only give them a platform to carry out activities across the world.

Terror activities have increased all over Africa. In March, Palma in Mozambique was ripped by a massive terror attack, which forced French energy giant Total SE to pull out of the $24.1 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the country.

India’s state owned ONGC Videsh which also has a stake in the project has adopted a wait and watch mode.

A recent United Nations report noted that Africa has been hit the most by terror related activities in the first half of 2021. Along with the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, which has facilitated the comeback of the Taliban, the French military mission, present in West Africa has also started to pull out.

BBC, last month in a report noted that “both the Islamic State group and its rivals in al-Qaeda have taken a strategic decision to make Africa their new priority.”

Pic credit ANI

“If chaos, violent extremism and insecurity become the norm in Sahel nations like Mali then we are likely to see two things emerge: firstly, a new geographic base from which jihadists can plot attacks around the world and secondly, an increased flow of migrants and refugees making the perilous journey north to Europe to escape from their own countries,” Frank Gardner, BBC’s security correspondent wrote.

“The African countries and the leaders are aware of the challenges that terrorism bring about. They are ready to do the needful and deal with the problem but they do not have the required resources to fight this alone. Countries across the globe must come together to support Africa in dealing with this challenge,” Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International told India Narrative.

Increased terror activities in Africa have raised concerns for the locals as well as countries including China outside the continent. China, which has been caught in a storm over gross human rights violations in relation to the Uighur Muslims, has made huge investments in Africa. Recently, nine Chinese nationals were killed in a bus blast � a handiwork of terror outfits– in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

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India needs to revive the Asia Africa Growth Corridor

The almost still-born AAGC was seen as an attempt to provide an alternative to the China-powered Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)….reports Mahua Venkatesh

India is looking at reviving the Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) — the mega infrastructure project that was launched in 2017 to connect Asia and Africa. The contours and finer details of the project, which was essentially a collaboration between India and Japan, could be significantly altered. Other stakeholders could be brought in as well to revive the project.

The almost still-born AAGC was seen as an attempt to provide an alternative to the China-powered Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“At a time when the world is looking at an alternative to Chinese projects, the AAGC holds promise but with the Covid 19 pandemic and its economic impact, many projects have come under the spotlight,” an insider said. However, he added that a new funding mechanism which is viable and transparent needs to be chalked out.

Other countries along with multilateral agencies including the ones focused on Asia such as Asian Development Bank need to be roped in to inject life into the project.

At present, China, which is aggressively carrying out the BRI execution, is the largest lender in the continent. However, from 2019, China’s loan commitments to Africa have reduced.

“We should think about how we can revise the AAGC to make it more attractive and beneficial. It should be a profit-driven project rather than a human development vision,” The French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) pointed out.

According to a study by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Chinese financiers committed $153 billion to African public sector borrowers between 2000 and 2019. “After rapid growth in the 2000s, annual lending commitments to Africa peaked in 2013, the year the BRI was launched. By 2019, though, new Chinese loan commitments amounted to only $7 billion to the continent, down 30 percent from $9.9 billion in 2018,” it said.

That apart, China’s “resource-backed lending model for financing infrastructure projects” in which the borrowing country commits future revenues to be earned from its natural resource exports to pay loans secured from Chinese creditors have raised doubts.

Africa’s debt problem

“China’s business dealings in Africa are raising eyebrows,” a report published by Nairobi News noted.

“It is true many African countries have shown their concerns over the Chinese lending pattern but the problem is that other sources of funds are often not available to them and this creates a condition where they have to borrow more from China,” Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International, said.

Last month, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund noted that debt levels which were already elevated before the pandemic have increased sharply. Public debt in sub-Saharan Africa jumped by more than 6 percentage points to 58 per cent of GDP in 2020, the highest level in almost two decades, she said.

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A sectoral decomposition of Chinese loans highlights that more than 65 per cent of its lending goes to infrastructure sectors such as energy, mining, construction, transport among others, The Carnegie study said, adding that in comparison, traditional lenders�mostly from Europe and North America as well as Japan in the OECD-Development Assistance Committee focus more on social sectors like health, population, education, and humanitarian aid.

Not just that. The lending pattern of the other lenders comprises a fair mix of grants and loans.

“It is time that India and other countries look at Africa to ensure partnered development,” a business entrepreneur of Indian origin living in Kenya said.

G7 initiative

The Group of Seven (G7) countries that held their meeting in June spotlighted an arc between Africa and the Indo-Pacific as the space where they wish to expand their democratic footprint amid China’s rise as a global power.

The G7 also announced that it will increase its support to the Indo Pacific and Africa. “We resolve to collaborate with partners around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, to actively promote these shared values for the good of all,” said the statement.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s proposal of carving out a mega infrastructure plan under the “Build Back Better World” (B3W) initiative, which according to a Financial Times report, would be based on transparency, sustainability and consultation with local communities — will be a move to counter the BRI.

“It is yet to be seen what will be the finer details of the proposed project,” Mehta said.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

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-Top News Africa News China

CCP maintains Africa as a testing ground for expanding its outreach

Since CCP’s ascendance to power in 1949, it has intensified its relations with African countries…reports Asian Lite News

As Beijing continues to expand its global influence, China-Africa relations remain a template where Africa has become a prime testing ground for expanding the political outreach of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Since CCP’s ascendance to power in 1949, it has intensified its relations with African countries. By providing ideological and military training, CPC has backed the liberation movements. It has also donated supplies to support guerrilla warfare tactics.

Fabien Baussart, president of the Center of Political and Foreign Affairs, in his piece for The Times of Israel argued that “in Africa’s post-independence period,” CPC has engaged with the ruling parties of Africa to enhance China’s overall presence in the continent both politically and economically.

“The party-to-party exchanges, training programs and seminars between CPC and other African political elites and senior cadres have become the key way to export the authoritarian governance model of CPC,” said Baussart while adding that such training exercises are geared towards gaining acceptance for CPC values among the new leaders in Africa.

China digs in Africa with an eye on its coastline for military bases.(Photo indianarrative)

Through these programs, Beijing develops a network with their African counterparts for diplomatic maneuverability and effective support at the multilateral forums. According to Baussart, this has become a strategic tool for Beijing to exercise influence in these countries and align their political decisions in line with Beijing’s priorities.

“The CPC is thus gradually making deeper inroads to African ruling parties by organizing such seminars on a regular basis. There are numerous examples of how ruling parties in African countries such as Ethiopia, Congo, Zimbabwe have been influenced by the political party training programs conducted by CPC,” he added.

With the aim to expand its outreach, the CPC has also funded political schools in African countries in which they provide political training academies for local leaders. Aside from propagating political content, these engagements have bolstered China’s foreign policy interests.

Despite the contrary evidence, China maintains that these training programs are merely an “exchange of ideas”. However, the experts believe that these training programs will have a profound “psychological and political impact over the choices and preferences of African political parties.” (ANI)

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-Top News Africa News India News

Terrorists must not be allowed to operate in Libya, says foreign secy

“The international community must speak in one voice terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” said the Indian Foreign Secretary…reports Asian Lite News

Expressing concern over continued presence and activities of ISIL in Libya, India at a UN Security Council briefing on Thursday said that the international community must ensure that terrorist groups and its affiliates must not be allowed to operate in Libya.

Noting that the continued presence and activities of ISIL in Libya as illustrated by the latest report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Management Team of 1267 Committee are of serious concern, he added that the report indicates spread of such activities into the SAHEL Region as well.

“Libya has become a logistical platform for Al Qaeda affiliates in Mali. This is a matter of great concern due to the potential cascading effect it could have on the SAHEL region,” Shringla cautioned while speaking at the UNSC at the Briefing on UNSMIL (Libya),

He said it is unfortunate that the issue is not drawing the attention it deserves.

“The international community must speak in one voice terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized.

Calling for an inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process is the need of the hour, he hoped that all parties concerned engage sincerely in this endeavor and urged that the international community to support such a process.

“The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Libya needs to be safeguarded. The peace process must be fully Libyan led and Libyan owned with no impositions or external interference,” Shringla submitted.

“We also encourage all Libyan parities to continue to make concerted efforts towards unification of all national institutions,” he added.

Stressing upon the need of holding elections as planned on 24 December 2021 in a free and fair manner, the Indian Foreign Secretary said to achieve this, it is vital that the constitutional basis for conducting the elections is agreed upon early.

“Regrettably, consensus in this regard is still elusive,” he noted.

The Indian Foreign Secretary called for provisions of the ceasefire agreement and successive Security Council resolutions need to be respected.

“We need to plan for the disarmament, de-mobilization and re-integration of armed groups and non-state armed actors,” he said.

Stating that India has traditionally enjoyed close and mutually beneficial ties with Libya, Shringla added that the contributions made by Indian enterprises and professionals in critical sectors like energy, manufacturing, education and healthcare continue to support the Libyan economy and society to this day.

“India continues to remain committed to support Libya and the people in their endovour to bring lasting peace in their country. To this end we look forward to working to the government of national unity for providing capacity building and training assistance in mutually identified areas,” he said. (India News Network)

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DP World broadens logistics reach in Africa

This will enhance DP World’s capabilities, particularly in Africa, building on its extensive infrastructure of ports, terminals and economic zones….reports Asian Lite News

DP World announced an offer to acquire JSE-listed Imperial Logistics, an integrated logistics and market access company with operations mainly across the African continent and in Europe.

This will enhance DP World’s capabilities, particularly in Africa, building on its extensive infrastructure of ports, terminals and economic zones.

DP World’s cash offer of ZAR66 per share implies an equity consideration of around ZAR12.7bn (around US$890mn).

It represents a premium of 39.5 percent to the Imperial share price as of 7th July 2021 on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and a 34.2 percent premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price.

This transaction is subject to Imperial’s shareholder approval and other customary completion conditions including regulatory approvals.

Imperial is an integrated logistics and market access solutions provider with a presence across 25 countries, including a significant footprint in the high growth Africa market.

The Group focuses on fast-growing industries including healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, industrial and commodities.

“The acquisition of Imperial will help DP World to build better and more efficient supply chains for the owners of cargo, especially in Africa,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World.

“Imperial’s operations are complementary to our network of ports, terminals and logistics operations on the continent. Like DP World, Imperial’s biggest asset is its people, and we look forward to welcoming employees of Imperial into the DP World team on successful conclusion of the transaction.”

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-Top News China India News

India’s Africa outreach aimed at keeping China at bay

Pic credits @HCI_Accra

While many Indian companies are already operating in Africa, several others are firming up plans…reports Asian Lite News

Ministry of External Affairs secretary (Economic Relations) Rahul Chhabras recent visit to Ghanas capital Accra failed to grab headlines. Foreign policy watchers, however, said with India looking to ink a comprehensive deal with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chhabras visit to Accra is of “immense importance” especially as the secretariat is headquartered there.

While many Indian companies are already operating in Africa, several others are firming up plans. The AfCFTA provides a window to the Indian companies to tap a unified African market.

“The Republic of Ghana is the headquarter of the AfCFTA and can serve as a gateway to the 1.2 billion-strong African population having a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion,” Michael Aaron N. N. Oquaye Esq High Commissioner, The High Commission of the Republic of Ghana in India said last year at the India-Ghana Trade & Investment Opportunities Virtual Summit.

In fact, the back-to-back visits to Africa by senior government officials — in June External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar was in Kenya — is a reflection that India has pressed the pedal on efforts to strengthen ties with the countries after engagements were derailed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

“Since Accra is where the AfCFTA secretariat is based, Chhabra’s visit holds immense importance for India. The fact that senior government officials are heading to African countries amid Covid 19 pandemic and before undertaking any other visits to other parts of the world signifies India’s renewed focus to engage with the continent and enhance business and trade,” Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International told India Narrative.

While currently, China is Ghana’s biggest trading partner and source of foreign investment, the African countries are keen on deepening economic ties with India due to the cultural commonalities. The African nation also features among the first 10 countries with high Chinese debt

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According to All Africa, a website aggregating news on the continent, Ghana’s debt to China is estimated at $3.5 billion.

Besides, Ghana, countries such as Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Congo, Zambia, Cameroon, Nigeria too are saddled with a high level of debt from China.

While Mehta said that though Covid 19 is set to impact the African economy trade will continue among the countries. “India must try and work out a mechanism with the AfCFTA to ensure it has access to the continent. This makes more sense rather than going individually country by country,” Mehta added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after he assumed office in 2014, outlined his Africa strategy. In 2015, a mega India Africa summit was held in New Delhi, which was attended by 54 nations. Modi said that Africa will remain at the centre of India’s attention.

“We will work with you to realize your vision of a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth, empowered citizens and sustainable development; an integrated and culturally vibrant Africa; and, a peaceful and secure Africa, which has its rightful global place and is a strong partner for the world,” he said in his address.

Touted as the biggest trade deals in the world since the World Trade Organisation, the AfCTA signed between 55 countries, of which 54 are members of the African Union, aims to create a single market comprising 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion.

India is now Africa’s third largest trading partner.

The Observer Research Foundation said that it is critical for India to view Africa not just as a destination for short-term returns but as a partner for medium and long-term economic growth.

At a time when China has slowed its investments into the continent, India has an opportunity. The continent will also play an important role as the geopolitical thrust shifts towards the Indo Pacific.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Indian diaspora in Africa can help bridge Indo-African ties

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Indian diaspora in Africa can help bridge Indo-African ties

India’s ties with Tanzania had got a boost after the visit of former President Jakaya Kikwete in 2015…reports Mahua Venkatesh.

New Delhi must channelise the large Indian diaspora in Africa to recast its ties with the continent amid a belligerent China, which has not only increased its grip over the continent for commercial reasons but has also expanded its activities in the Indian Ocean with an aim to becoming a maritime power.

Africa is home to three million people of Indian origin.

“New Delhi enjoys a natural advantage because of the people of Indian origin in East Africa. Without delay, the (Narendra) Modi government must take stock of the move and ensure that lost ground is made up,” an analyst, who did not wish to be identified said.

“New Delhi enjoys a natural advantage because of the people of Indian origin in East Africa. Without delay, the (Narendra) Modi government must take stock of the move and ensure that lost ground is made up,” the analyst said.

India’s ties with Tanzania had got a boost after the visit of former President Jakaya Kikwete in 2015. Kikwete visited New Delhi for five days in June 2015. However, engagements between the two countries have been slow since then.

Tanzania, which opened a consulate in Hyderabad last month, has a sizable natural gas deposits in the Indian Ocean, which India has considered its backyard. “It is estimated that the country has over 46.5 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves,” the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in a report noted.

It also said in the report published earlier that India and Tanzania have a common interest in maritime security. “Looking at the wide range of threats in the maritime sphere such as sea piracy, armed robbery, narcotics trafficking, terrorism, India, has declared maritime security as top priority. Similarly, there is no doubt that maritime security is an issue of concern for Tanzania,” it said.

So recently, when Tanzania announced that it will revive a $10 billion port project in the town of Bagamoyo on the Indian Ocean regions (IOR) eyebrows were raised. Reason? China is the main project investor.

A Nikkei Asia report said that the move has led to speculations over whether China is looking to establish an additional dual-use foothold on the East African coast.

Meanwhile, external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to Kenya, which shares its borders with Tanzania, underscored the importance India is now attaching to Africa though the intensity of engagement between India and the African countries has slowed down due to the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic.

“Africa’s large Indian population has merged with the society there and New Delhi must cash in on this aspect. It must take them into account to further expand its relations with the African nations. All channels of communications need to be opened up. Using the diaspora is one which can be effectively used,” an analyst said.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

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UAE welcomes ceasefire in Tigray

A constructive dialogue within the framework of state institutions along with the rule of law and the constitution is the only way to bring lasting peace,said statement…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has welcomed the declaration of a ceasefire in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, stressing that a political solution is the only way to end the conflict in the country.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed that this decision is an important step to achieve a political settlement and the aspirations of the Ethiopian people to build a future that meets their aspirations for peace and prosperity.

The statement added that a constructive dialogue within the framework of state institutions along with the rule of law and the constitution is the only way to bring lasting peace and stability to the country.

The Ethiopian government, in a statement published late Monday night by state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC), said the move followed a request by the Tigray regional state interim administration.

The unilateral ceasefire is said to facilitate humanitarian assistance, peaceful livelihood in the region as well as agriculture activities amid the approaching rainy season.

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Since the early hours of November 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which used to rule the regional state.

“Fighters loyal to the TPLF, who are presently dispersed in the desert will return to peace if conditions are made conducive for it, the Ethiopian government has accepted the Tigray interim administration’s request for ceasefire positively,” the statement read.

“For the farmer to till the land peacefully, for the aid work to be distributed free from military pressure, for TPLF remnants to return to peaceful road, an unconditional unilateral ceasefire has been declared from June 28 to last until the end of farming season,” the statement added.

Earlier, the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland had sought an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the issues in Tigray, where rebel fighters were able to enter the regional capital of Mekele on Monday.

The reports suggested that the UNSC meeting could be held on Friday. However, the decision to set up a date and time is up to France, which holds the Security Council Presidency in July.

Meanwhile last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had expressed shock at the killing of three staff members of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Tigray region.

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