The African Union Commission has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint as tensions between the three countries continue to rise, warning against actions or statements that could further escalate the situation and undermine regional stability.
The AU’s statement comes amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, where Ethiopian federal forces are battling the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied forces.
The conflict has also spread into parts of the Afar region, raising concerns that Ethiopia’s internal fighting could develop into a wider regional crisis.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting armed opposition groups involved in the renewed fighting.
The countries named have rejected the allegations, with Egypt reaffirming its position that it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also deteriorated over Ethiopia’s push for access to the Red Sea.
On Thursday, Eritrea announced it was severing diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa ordered the closure of its embassy in Asmara and expelled Eritrean diplomats.
Meanwhile, Egypt and Ethiopia remain divided over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the management of Nile waters, adding another longstanding dispute to the growing regional tensions.
The AU is urging the three countries to keep diplomatic channels open and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and established diplomatic mechanisms.
The continental body says it is ready to support efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the disputes.
