From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 3m
AU Urges Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to Show Restraint
African Union calls for restraint as Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt escalate diplomatic tensions.
In brief
African Union calls for restraint as Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt escalate diplomatic tensions. The African Union urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to show maximum restraint after expulsions and broken diplomatic ties, with Egypt hosting a summit to address regional security concerns. Originally reported by The Rio…
AU calls for restraint
The African Union Commission urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt on 1 October 2026 to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“The African Union Commission urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt on 1 October 2026 to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate tensions.”
Diplomatic break
Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats on 1 October 2026, prompting Eritrea to sever diplomatic ties.
“Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, giving them 48 hours to leave.”
Egyptian pushback
Egypt questioned the AU statement, claiming it drew Egypt into an internal Ethiopian crisis and that Ethiopian statements aim to divert attention from domestic issues.
“An Egyptian source said the AU statement drew Egypt into an internal Ethiopian crisis.”
Alamein summit
Egypt hosted a consultative summit with Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia on Sunday 4 October 2026 to discuss regional security concerns.
“President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki separately at the Alamein Africa Business Forum.”
Red Sea access dispute
Ethiopia seeks direct sea access for its landlocked territory after losing its coastline when Eritrea became independent in 1993.
“Ethiopia lost its coastline when Eritrea became independent in 1993.”
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September 2025 with a capacity of 5,150 megawatts and a cost of about US$5 billion.
“Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September 2025.”
Tigray conflict
Ethiopian forces retake Mekelle airport on 3 October 2026, leading to accusations of external interference from Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan.
“Ethiopian forces took back Mekelle airport on 3 October, and government and allied forces then took the city.”
US policy shift
The US lifted sanctions on Eritrea on 19 September 2026, citing regional interests and Red Sea shipping security.
“The US announced on 19 September that it had let the 2021 sanctions on Eritrea lapse.”
Regional implications
The diplomatic break affects Red Sea shipping routes, with Ethiopia relying on Djibouti for trade access and instability impacting regional security.
“Ethiopia, with a large population and no coast, sends most of its trade through Djibouti.”
Next steps
Egypt hosts a summit with Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia on Sunday 4 October 2026 to address regional security concerns and potential port access for Ethiopia.
“Somalia's president says Ethiopia could use two or three Somali ports to bring in and send out goods.”
Uncertainties
The AU's role in mediation remains unclear, with no confirmed mediator or timeline for resolving the diplomatic break.
“We do not know whether Ethiopia, Eritrea or Egypt will accept AU help.”
Internal Ethiopian crisis
Ethiopia faces internal political challenges as the newly elected House of Peoples' Representatives convenes on Monday 5 October 2026.
“The newly elected House of Peoples' Representatives is due to convene on Monday 5 October to start forming the next federal government.”
Regional security concerns
The Red Sea corridor's stability is critical for shipping, insurance and regional trade, with Ethiopia's landlocked status increasing vulnerability.
“Any instability on that corridor affects shipping and insurance.”
US involvement
Six Democratic US senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to de-escalate the crisis in Tigray on 28 September 2026.
“Six Democratic US senators asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to act to de-escalate the crisis in Tigray.”
Eritrea's stance
Eritrea denies accusations of arming Ethiopia's opposition forces and claims Ethiopia's actions threaten regional stability.
“Eritrea rejects that Ethiopia accuses it of arming and backing the armed opposition in northern Ethiopia.”
Next phase
The diplomatic break could lead to further expulsions, visa restrictions, and heightened tensions in the Red Sea region.
“For travellers and expatriates, check the State Department advisory before booking, and expect further expulsions or visa friction.”
The one thing
The African Union urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to show maximum restraint after expulsions and broken diplomatic ties, with Egypt hosting a summit to address regional security concerns.
