The African Union (AU) Mediation in the Northern Ethiopia Armed Conflict (2020–2022)

Abstract Considering the AU’s goal to promote peace, security, and stability in Africa, this study delves into the AU’s mediation role in the Northern Ethiopia conflict (2020–2022). It examines the AU’s effectiveness, the mechanisms it deployed, and the influencing factors at play. The article employed a qualitative research approach. It underscores the AU’s pivotal role in Ethiopian peace through its mediation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and subsequent steps to implement it. Support for the AU-led peace initiatives from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and international actors such as the US, UK, UN, and EU signals collaborative prospects in realizing the AU’s ambitions. Despite efforts, the AU faces criticism for falling short of its ambitions due to resource constraints, poor coordination, political unwillingness, and involvement of some member states in the conflict. Therefore, member states are urged to devise strategies to enhance the AU’s operational capacity.