Major General Samad A. Akesode Takes Helm of AU Monitoring Mission in Tigray
Major General Samad A. Akesode of Nigeria has officially assumed his role as the Head of Mission for the African Union Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM) in Tigray, marking a significant step in the regional peace process.
Upon his onboarding, Major Gen. Akesode held strategic meetings with key stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (AUC-PAPS) department. He also conferred with Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of International Relations and Military Cooperation for the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), to discuss collaborative efforts in ensuring compliance with the AU-led peace agreement.
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The AU-MVCM plays a critical role in overseeing the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces in November 2022. Major Gen. Akesode’s extensive military and peacekeeping experience is expected to bolster the mission’s effectiveness in monitoring disarmament, verifying troop withdrawals, and ensuring humanitarian access in the region.
In his initial remarks, Akesode reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to sustainable peace in Tigray and called for continued cooperation from all parties. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as Ethiopia navigates post-conflict recovery and reconciliation efforts.
The African Union has commended Nigeria for contributing such a high-ranking officer to the mission, underscoring the collective responsibility of member states in fostering stability across the continent.
By PRNigeria
