Africa Union Calls for Restraint Amid Three-Way Diplomatic Measures by Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt

October 1, 2026

Addis Ababa based African Union Commission has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise “maximum restraint” after a rapid series of diplomatic escalations involving all three countries.

In a statement issued Thursday, the AU said it was closely following the heightened tensions and urged the three governments to avoid actions or statements that could further undermine regional peace and stability. It also called for differences to be addressed through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.

The appeal follows several major developments on the same day. Ethiopia announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, accusing them of involvement in activities posing a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security.

Eritrea responded by announcing that it would reciprocate and sever diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.

Ethiopia also separately declared Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours. Addis Ababa did not publicly specify the reason for his expulsion. Cairo declared an Ethiopian Embassy counsellor persona non grata and gave him 48 hours to leave, after Ethiopia expelled Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman.

The developments come amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia and increasingly public accusations by Ethiopian officials that Eritrea and other regional actors are supporting forces fighting the federal government.

The AU said it stands ready to support de-escalation and dialogue among the three countries, underscoring growing concern that the disputes could develop into a wider regional confrontation.