By Dangwam Jude Dabee
The African Union Commission (AUC) has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint amid heightened tensions among the three countries, warning that further escalation could threaten peace and stability in the region.
The three countries are locked in a complex regional conflict driven by disputes over Nile River water, Red Sea port access, and shifting political alliances in the Horn of Africa.
The AU’s call for restraint is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, with the continental body reaffirming its preference for diplomacy and peaceful engagement in resolving differences among Member States.
The Commission said it was “closely following with concern” the developments between the three African Union Member States, as tensions continue to raise concerns about their potential impact on regional security.
The AU urged the governments of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from actions or statements capable of worsening the situation, stressing that restraint remains essential to preventing the dispute from developing into a broader regional crisis.
“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.
Beyond urging restraint, the continental body emphasised the need to keep diplomatic channels open, encouraging the three countries to engage directly and peacefully in addressing their differences.
“The AU 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, in accordance with the principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union,” it said.
The Commission also offered to support efforts aimed at easing the tensions, signalling the AU’s willingness to facilitate dialogue among the parties if required.
“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 added.
