Amanze Chinonye
The African Union has stepped into mounting tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt, urging the three countries to exercise restraint as a diplomatic crisis unfolds alongside renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia.
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The AU Commission said it was following the deterioration in relations with concern and called on the three countries to refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and stability.
It urged them to preserve channels of communication and resolve their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the AU Constitutive Act.
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The intervention follows a sharp deterioration in Ethiopia-Eritrea relations. Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave. Addis Ababa accused Eritrea of hostile activities that it said threatened Ethiopia’s national security and breached diplomatic rules.
Eritrea subsequently announced that it was severing diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, marking the most serious breakdown in ties between the neighbours since they restored relations in 2018 after years of hostility.
Egypt has also become directly involved in the diplomatic fallout. Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat, prompting Cairo to expel an Ethiopian embassy counsellor in a reciprocal move. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan of supporting an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which is fighting Ethiopian federal forces. The three countries deny the allegations.
The diplomatic confrontation comes as fighting has resumed in Tigray and spread into parts of the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions. The conflict, which began on Sept. 23, has revived concerns that the fighting could develop into a wider regional confrontation involving countries with competing security and strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopian federal forces have reported military gains in Tigray. Sources said government forces had retaken Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, the regional capital.
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The AU Commission said it was ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue and a peaceful resolution of their differences.
Its intervention places diplomatic engagement at the centre of efforts to contain tensions that have now extended beyond the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute.
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a border war from 1998 to 2000 before restoring diplomatic relations in 2018. Their relationship later deteriorated amid disagreements over the Tigray conflict and Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the Red Sea, adding a strategic dimension to the latest crisis.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
