Ethiopia in 'much better place' to resolve Tigray conflict: Mohammed.

On the last day of a five-day trip to Ethiopia, the Deputy Secretary-General said the East African nation is in 'a much better place' to resolve the conflict that erupted 15 months ago in Tigray.

'There is much more conversation and dialogue and talk around the national dialogue itself and the way to peace', Amina Mohammed told journalists attending a press conference at the airport, as she left the capital Addis Ababa.

Stressing the Secretary-General's call for a cessation of hostilities and for a pathway to peace, she noted how 'the talks continue and there is certainly less hostility than there was a few months ago.'

Last weekend, Ms. Mohammed represented the Secretary General at the opening ofthe 35th session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), where she spoke with African leaders onpressing issues, ranging from development and conflict, to the many humanitarian crises besetting the continent.

Following the meeting, she said that 'opportunities to address Africa's challenges are huge',and stressed the importance of aligning the 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Women and children

During her visit, the deputy chief met people living in the regions of Tigray, Amhara, Somali, and Afar, where she witnessed the tragedies of the conflict first-hand, but also learned of the efforts made by the Government and people in Ethiopia, to end the fighting.

She noted how important it was 'to hear from the leaders there, to hear from the people, and to hear really what their hopes are, and how they will engage with this pathway to peace.'

'There is never a winner in conflict', Ms. Mohammed said.

In all her visits, she said, what became obvious, was that 'the biggest losers of this conflict are the women and children.'

'The tragedy that has happened to women and children, is one that I hope that the men of Ethiopia will lead the recovery', she said.

The UN deputy chief called for the immediate end to sexual and gender-based violence, among other atrocities, and cited the need for comprehensive physical and mental health support.

She also urged the authorities to involve women meaningfully in all recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Time to forgive

On Wednesday, her final day in the country, she visited Afar, where she met with the President of the region and clan leaders, among others. She was joined by the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde.

Ms. Mohammed was able to see first-hand?the devastating impact...