Diplomacy

U.S. Calls for Dialogue Amid Escalating Tensions Between Ethiopia and Eritrea

AI SUMMARY

The United States has urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to refrain from conflict and engage in dialogue as cross-border tensions escalate.

The United States called on Ethiopia and Eritrea to refrain from conflict and return to the negotiating table due to escalating cross-border tensions.
Tensions between the two countries intensified following conflict in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar, and federal forces seizing the Tigray regional capital.
The Ethiopian government accused Eritrea of supporting Tigrayan forces and rebel groups aiming to overthrow the administration, while Afar officials reported Eritrean cross-border attacks.
The U.S. State Department warned that regional conflict would jeopardize bilateral cooperation and stated that the Horn of Africa cannot endure another humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. urged both nations to respect sovereignty and uphold the 2018 peace agreement.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea deteriorated following the Pretoria Agreement and Ethiopia's pursuit of sovereign sea access.
In response to reported Eritrean troop incursions, the Ethiopian government expelled ten Eritrean diplomats, prompting Eritrea to sever diplomatic ties.
High-ranking official Dr. Abraham Belay stated that Eritrean troops crossed the border and that the Ethiopian government would respond accordingly.
Ethiopia and Eritrea previously fought a bloody two-year border war nearly three decades ago.