African Union urges restraint amid Ethiopia-Eritrea-Egypt tensions

The African Union Commission has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint amid rising tensions and renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia.

In a statement, the AU said it was closely following developments among the three countries, warning that further escalation could undermine regional peace and stability.

The appeal comes as fighting has resumed in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, nearly four years after a peace agreement ended a two-year war between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

The renewed clashes have involved fighting in Tigray and the Afar region, with Tigrayan forces capturing several strategic locations, including airports.

Ethiopia's military has accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting armed groups fighting the federal government. Eritrea and Egypt have rejected the allegations.

Diplomatic tensions have recently escalated between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia closed its embassy in Eritrea and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats.

In response, Eritrea severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia. Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat, prompting Egypt to expel an Ethiopian embassy official in response.

The AU called on all three countries to “exercise maximum restraint” and refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate tensions.

The Commission emphasized the need to maintain open communication channels and urged the countries to settle their differences through established diplomatic avenues and peaceful dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the AU Constitutive Act.

“The AU Commission stands ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts towards de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences,” the statement said.