African Union warns Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt as tensions rise

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online) – The African Union has warned about the escalating tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt, as the relations among the three countries are at a critical stage, with the parties exchanging accusations and heated rhetoric.

The African Union has urged these countries to avoid any actions that could harm peace and stability on the continent, particularly those that could lead to clashes or unrest along the borders of the countries involved in the tensions.

The tensions have intensified after Ethiopia took diplomatic measures against diplomats working at the Egyptian Embassy in Addis Ababa. A letter sent to the Egyptian embassy stated that some diplomats must leave the country within 48 hours.

According to the statement, the deadline for the diplomats began on October 1, with this action coinciding with a period when relations between Addis Ababa and Cairo have faced political and diplomatic disputes recently.

Additionally, Ethiopia and Eritrea are also facing increasing tensions, with both sides reportedly ramping up their military preparations. This is accompanied by heated exchanges between officials and various parties.

The Ethiopian government ordered on Thursday the closure of its embassy in the city of Asmara, while also instructing 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, a move indicating the level of escalation reached in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

The decision came hours after several explosions were heard in the city of Addis Ababa, as the conflict reignited in northern Ethiopia, while concerns are rising that it could turn into a regional confrontation.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is closing the Asmara embassy due to what it described as "hostile and warlike acts both directly and indirectly" that Eritrea has committed against Ethiopia.

It also stated that the 10 Eritrean diplomats have been declared persona non grata after being accused of involvement in "activities that pose a direct threat to the national security of Ethiopia" which violate international diplomatic relations.

This conflict could geographically affect Somalia, as Ethiopia, Egypt, and Eritrea have diplomatic relations and security cooperation, although Mogadishu has clarified that it is maintaining its position regarding relations with the countries in the region, without officially joining either side in the struggle between the three countries.

Ethiopia has troops in Somalia as part of the AUSSOM operation, while Egypt is among the countries that have signed security agreements with Somalia, and is also part of the operational plan, although its troops have not yet been deployed to the country.

Eritrea has also recently provided military training to Somali forces, making Somalia closely linked to the parties involved in the crisis in the Horn of Africa.

However, the situation is being closely monitored, as any tension arising from the relations between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt could impact the security and cooperation in the Horn of Africa region.