Ethiopia's government and the rebel authorities in the Tigray region said Wednesday they had signed a deal to cease hostilities after two years of brutal conflict.

Here are some of the reactions from around the world:

- 'Welcome first step' -

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres heralded the announcement as a "welcome first step" in ending the fighting.

"It is very much a welcome first step, which we hope can start to bring some solace to the millions of Ethiopian civilians that have really suffered during this conflict," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

- 'Extraordinary efforts' -

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also hailed the agreement, as well as the "extraordinary efforts" of African Union mediators in bringing it about.

"We welcome the momentous step taken in Pretoria today to advance the African Union's campaign to 'silence the guns'," he said in a statement.

Hinting at improved relations with Ethiopia, Blinked added that he shared Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's "desire for an enhanced partnership to support reconstruction and development for all communities... affected by the conflict".

- 'Persevere' -

African Union president and Senegalese President Macky Sall said it was "excellent news".

"I congratulate the parties and strongly encourage them to persevere on the path towards permanent peace," he said.

- 'Nurture durable peace' -

Neighbouring Kenya's President William Ruto welcomed the news.

"I applaud (Ethiopian) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leadership of Tigray for their bold step towards restoring peace in Ethiopia," he said.

"This mutual agreement will create the necessary environment to nurture durable peace and political stability in Ethiopia."

- 'Swift implementation' -

The European Union congratulated both sides "for their commitment and courage towards peace", but encouraged further talks to achieve "a permanent ceasefire agreement".

"A swift implementation on the ground of the agreement reached today is needed," it added.

"Priority is to resume humanitarian access in all affected areas and to restore basic services, in particular in Tigray."

- 'Real peace process' -

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock commended all sides for "their willingness to solve this conflict peacefully".

"This is a promising step, now a real peace process must follow. #Eritrea, too, must lay down its arms & withdraw," she wrote on Twitter.

Key points of joint Ethiopia statement
Pretoria (AFP) Nov 2, 2022 - Ethiopia's government and the rebel authorities in the Tigray region said Wednesday they had signed a deal to cease hostilities after two years of brutal conflict.

Here are the key points of the statement signed by the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF):

-- As per Article 3 of the Agreement for Lasting Peace and Permanent Cessation of Hostilities, the Representatives of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the TPLF have agreed to announce to the people of Ethiopia and the rest of the world that after 10 days of intensive negotiations have concluded a peace agreement.

-- We have agreed to permanently silence the guns and end the two years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.

-- The conflict has brought a tragic degree of loss of lives and livelihoods and it is in the interest of the entire people of Ethiopia to leave this chapter of conflict behind and live in peace and harmony.

-- It is fundamental that we reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia and to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Thus, Ethiopia has only one national defence force. We have also agreed on a detailed programme of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration for the TPLF combatants, taking into account the security situation on the ground.

-- We have agreed that the Government of Ethiopia will further enhance its collaboration with humanitarian agencies to continue expediting aid to all those in need of assistance.

-- We have agreed to implement transitional measures that include the restoration of Constitutional order in the Tigray region, a framework for the settlement of political differences, and a Transitional Justice Policy framework to ensure accountability, truth, reconciliation, and healing.

-- To start implementing these undertakings without delay, we have agreed to stop all forms of conflicts, and hostile propaganda. We will only make statements that support the expeditious implementation of the Agreement. We urge Ethiopians in the country and abroad, to support this Agreement, stop voices of division and hate, and mobilise their resources for economic recovery and rehabilitation of social bonds.

-- The Government of Ethiopia will continue the efforts to restore public services and rebuild the infrastructures of all communities affected by the conflict. Students must go to school, and pastoralists to their fields, and public servants to their offices. The agreement requires the support of the public for its smooth implementation. This is a new and hopeful chapter in the history of the country.

-- We are grateful to the people of Ethiopia for encouraging these talks and patiently waiting for the outcome. We are confident that they will embrace the results of these talks and ensure their timely implementation.

-- Finally, we are confident that friends of Ethiopia and members of the diplomatic community will lend their support in rebuilding infrastructures in affected communities and the economic recovery of the country. We call on all types of media outlets to support peace, reconciliation, unity, and prosperity in Ethiopia

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Ethiopia warring parties agree to cease hostilities
Pretoria (AFP) Nov 2, 2022
The warring sides in Ethiopia announced Wednesday an agreement to silence their guns after two years of devastating conflict that have claimed thousands of lives and left millions needing aid in Africa's second most populous country. The surprise deal between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and Tigrayan rebels was unveiled after little over a week of negotiations led by the African Union in South Africa and was hailed by the UN and the US among others. "We have agreed to permanently silen ... read more