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The African Union Commission has expressed concern over escalating tensions among Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, urging the three countries to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of further worsening relations in the region.
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The continental body stressed the need to keep diplomatic channels open, calling on the governments to address their differences through established diplomatic mechanisms and peaceful dialogue rather than measures that could threaten regional peace and stability.
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The AU warned that the growing tensions could undermine stability in the region, emphasising that member states are expected to uphold the principles of the African Union’s Constitutive Act, including the peaceful resolution of disputes.
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The AU Commission said it is prepared to support de-escalation efforts, indicating its willingness to work with Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt towards dialogue and a peaceful resolution of their differences.
October 2, (THEWILL) – The African Union Commission has raised the alarm over escalating tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, urging the three countries to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.
In a statement on Friday, the AU Commission said it was “closely following with concern” the heightened tensions involving the three member states, warning against actions or public statements that could further aggravate the situation.
The continental body’s intervention comes amid growing strains in relations involving the three countries, whose interests intersect over regional security, water resources and strategic developments in the Horn of Africa and the Nile Basin.
The AU Commission called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from measures that could undermine regional peace and stability.
“The Commission calls on all three Member States to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and stability”, the statement said.
AU Pushes Diplomatic Resolution
The continental organisation emphasised the importance of maintaining communication among the three governments, warning that the preservation of diplomatic channels remains critical to preventing further deterioration in their relations.
It urged the countries to address their disagreements through established diplomatic mechanisms and peaceful dialogue, consistent with the principles governing the African Union.
“The Commission further underscores the importance of preserving channels of communication and urges the three countries to address their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue”, it said.
The AU’s appeal reflects its longstanding position that disputes between member states should be managed through dialogue and other peaceful mechanisms rather than actions that could threaten continental or regional stability.
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Tensions With Wider Regional Implications
The developments involving Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt have wider implications because of the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa and the Nile Basin.
Ethiopia and Egypt have had longstanding disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia constructed on the Blue Nile. Egypt has consistently raised concerns over the potential impact of the dam’s operation on its downstream water supplies, while Ethiopia maintains that the project is essential to its economic development and electricity generation.
Ethiopia and Eritrea, meanwhile, have a complex history marked by war, political tensions and shifting relations. Although the two countries restored diplomatic ties in 2018 following a peace agreement, relations have subsequently faced renewed strains, particularly over developments surrounding Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region and wider regional security concerns.
Egypt has also strengthened its strategic engagement with countries in the Horn of Africa, adding another dimension to the evolving regional dynamics.
Against this backdrop, the AU Commission’s latest intervention seeks to prevent bilateral and regional disagreements from developing into a broader confrontation.
The African Union Commission said it was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts to reduce tensions among the three countries.
“The AU Commission stands ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts towards de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences”, it said.
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