The African Union is urging countries involved in growing tensions in the Horn of Africa to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions.
The appeal follows a sharp deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with both countries taking diplomatic measures against each other.
Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled Eritrean diplomats. Ethiopia has also taken diplomatic action involving Egypt amid accusations surrounding regional support for opposition forces.
The developments come at a sensitive moment, with renewed fighting reported in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. The situation has revived concerns about the possibility of a broader conflict in a region that has experienced several major security crises in recent years.
The African Union’s call for dialogue reflects concerns that continued escalation could affect regional stability and cooperation.
The Horn of Africa remains strategically important because of its proximity to the Red Sea and major international shipping routes, while political and security developments in the region frequently have cross-border consequences.