ADDIS ABABA: The African Union Commission has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, urging the three countries to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and established diplomatic channels.
The AU Commission issued the warning as concerns grow over the potential impact of rising tensions among the three African countries on peace, security and stability in the region.
In a statement, the continental body said it was closely following with concern the heightened tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.
The African Union called on the three member states to avoid actions, statements or developments that could further worsen relations and create additional security challenges in the region.
The AU Commission urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to demonstrate maximum restraint and avoid measures that could deepen their differences.
According to the continental organisation, preserving regional peace requires the countries involved to manage their disagreements through peaceful and diplomatic means rather than allowing tensions to escalate.
The statement comes against the backdrop of complex political, security and strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and the wider Nile region, where relations between the countries have been shaped by longstanding disputes and competing national interests.
The AU did not assign blame to any of the three countries in its statement. Instead, it appealed to all sides to avoid steps that could undermine regional stability.
The Commission also stressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between the three governments.
It urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to address their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue, consistent with the principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
The AU’s position reflects its broader emphasis on resolving disputes between member states through dialogue, negotiation and other peaceful mechanisms.
The continental body said communication remains particularly important at a time when heightened tensions could make misunderstandings more difficult to manage.
The African Union Commission said it remains prepared to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.
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.
The offer signals the AU’s willingness to engage with the governments involved if they seek continental support for diplomatic efforts.
The organisation did not announce a specific mediation process or identify any immediate meetings between the three countries.
Developments involving Ethiopia Eritrea and Egypt have implications beyond their individual bilateral relationships because of the countries’ strategic importance in the Horn of Africa and the Nile basin.
Ethiopia and Egypt have previously been at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its implications for Nile water management, while Ethiopia and Eritrea have a history of conflict and changing diplomatic relations.
These overlapping regional interests make communication and diplomatic engagement particularly significant whenever tensions rise.
The AU Commission’s latest statement therefore places emphasis on preventing further escalation and keeping diplomatic channels open.
The African Union’s intervention comes with a clear call for restraint rather than confrontation.
By urging Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to use established diplomatic channels, the Commission is seeking to encourage the countries to manage their differences within existing African and international diplomatic frameworks.
The AU stressed that preserving peace and stability requires the three countries to avoid actions or statements capable of worsening the situation.
For now, the continental organisation said it remains ready to assist the countries in pursuing de-escalation, dialogue and a peaceful resolution of their differences.
The statement underscores the African Union’s continued emphasis on diplomacy as tensions involving key countries in the Horn of Africa and Nile region develop.
