ADDIS ABABA — The African Union has expressed concern over rising tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt following a series of diplomatic developments that have further strained relations between the three countries.
The AU called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate the situation.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions and call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that could further escalate the situation,” the African Union said in a statement.
The latest tensions come amid renewed difficulties in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, whose diplomatic and security ties have faced increasing strain in recent years.
Relations between Ethiopia and Egypt have also remained complicated, particularly over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the use of Nile River waters. Egypt has repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential impact of the dam on its water security, while Ethiopia maintains that the project is intended primarily to support its economic development and electricity generation.
Ethiopia’s relations with Eritrea have likewise deteriorated since the two countries signed a peace agreement in 2018 that ended two decades of hostility. Disagreements have since emerged over regional security, political developments in Tigray and Ethiopia’s interest in securing access to the Red Sea.
The latest diplomatic developments have raised concerns that tensions involving the three countries could have wider implications for the Horn of Africa, a region already facing multiple security and political challenges.
The African Union urged the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic engagement and to avoid measures that could deepen the dispute.
The situation remains fluid, and the full implications of the latest diplomatic moves are not yet clear. Further statements or actions from the governments of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt could determine whether the current tensions ease or intensify.
