Following two years of brutal conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, a peace agreement was signed between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in Pretoria, South Africa. The negotiations, facilitated by the African Union, aimed to halt the hostilities that resulted in widespread displacement, famine, and human rights violations affecting millions of people. The atmosphere during the negotiations was one of cautious optimism, as the parties recognized the urgent need for peace and humanitarian assistance in Tigray, which had endured one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.

The peace agreement addressed several key areas, including disarmament of TPLF forces, restoration of federal services in Tigray, and the withdrawal of foreign troops, notably from Eritrea. The deal aimed not only to cease hostilities but also to lay the groundwork for a political solution to the disputes that had fueled the conflict. It was a monumental shift from the previous years of open warfare, where the TPLF had dominated the governance of Ethiopia before being sidelined as part of a greater political shift.

In addition to the structural political dynamics, the agreement was also a response to rising international pressure for a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. As report after report detailed the suffering of civilians, with many facing famine, the signing of this peace accord became a beacon of hope for millions affected by the conflict. The commitment from both sides, while still requiring robust implementation, marked a potential turning point for Ethiopia and raised hopes for stability throughout the Horn of Africa.