By HAN News Desk
ADDIS ABABA — A series of high-level diplomatic visits between Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea has drawn growing attention to what analysts describe as increasing tensions in the Horn of Africa, a strategically important region facing complex political and security challenges.
Last week, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji traveled to Asmara, where he met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to discuss regional developments and security concerns. On Monday, Elkhereiji arrived in Addis Ababa for further talks with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, signaling continued diplomatic engagement aimed at easing tensions in the region.
The visit marks the third round of high-level contacts between Addis Ababa and Riyadh in less than a month, underscoring what observers say is a rapid escalation of diplomatic activity tied to growing concerns about stability in the region.
Three weeks ago, Gedion traveled to Riyadh, where he met senior Saudi officials to discuss political and security developments affecting the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. Shortly afterward, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan visited Addis Ababa and held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, focusing on regional cooperation, security coordination and economic issues.
The back-to-back meetings come as concerns rise over potential friction between Ethiopia and Eritrea, two neighboring countries whose relations remain fragile despite a historic peace agreement signed in 2018. Analysts say the renewed diplomatic engagement suggests that regional and international actors are attempting to prevent tensions from escalating into open conflict.
One key issue contributing to the current tensions is Ethiopia’s repeated calls for access to the sea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has recently reiterated that Ethiopia, a landlocked country since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, cannot remain indefinitely without reliable maritime access — remarks that have sparked debate and concern across the region.
Diplomatic sources say Saudi Arabia appears to be playing a mediating role, seeking to prevent disagreements between Ethiopia and Eritrea from escalating into military confrontation. The kingdom has increasingly positioned itself as an influential diplomatic actor in Red Sea and Horn of Africa affairs, given the region’s importance for global trade routes and regional security.
Observers note that the growing number of meetings and shuttle diplomacy reflects the seriousness of the situation. While officials have not publicly confirmed any immediate crisis, the pace of diplomatic contacts suggests that regional leaders are working urgently to manage tensions and avoid instability that could affect the wider Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
For now, analysts say the situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts likely to continue in the coming weeks as regional powers seek to maintain stability and prevent further escalation.
