African Union Urges Restraint as Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt Tensions Escalate

ADDIS ABABA — The African Union Commission has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further escalate tensions between the three countries.

The continental bloc called on the three governments to preserve channels of communication and resolve their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue. The AU said it was closely following the growing tensions with concern and offered to support efforts aimed at de-escalation.

The appeal comes as relations among the three countries have deteriorated sharply, adding to wider concerns over stability in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic ties this week after Addis Ababa closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, accusing Eritrea of hostile actions and support for armed groups in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has also accused Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan of supporting an opposition alliance fighting the federal government. The three countries have denied the allegations.

The diplomatic tensions have unfolded alongside renewed fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, where federal forces and an alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front have been engaged in clashes. The developments have raised concerns about the conflict spilling beyond Ethiopia's borders.

The AU urged the countries to refrain from steps that could undermine regional peace and stability and stressed that dialogue remained the preferred means of addressing their differences.

GAROWE ONLINE