ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) Commission has reacted to the ongoing tension between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, the AU urged the three nations to exercise restraint amid the escalating tension undermining peace in the region.
“AU 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. We urge the Member States to preserve channels of communication and address their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
“We stand ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts towards de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences,” read the AU statement in part.
Why the AU wants Ethiopia and Eritrea to preserve their communication channels
This followed a move by Ethiopia and Eritrea to sever their diplomatic ties, after Addis Ababa claimed that Eritrea supports the war in the Northern part of the country.
Ethiopia closed its embassy in the Eritrean capital Asmara, and ordered 10 Eritreans to leave the country within 48 hours.
Asmara reciprocated the action, noting that the move by Addis Ababa was astounding.
“Eritrea has no option but to reciprocate in kind and sever all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia,” a statement by the Eritrean Foreign Minister read in part.
The BBC reported that Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia have ‘cemented an axis against Ethiopia’, following a series of meetings in Asmara alleged to increase pressure against Addis Ababa, which has been trying to access the seaport.
However, Somalia has since denied the allegations and said the conference aimed to create co-operation among the three countries.
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