The United States has called for de-escalation amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as fears grow of a renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The warning followed a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, during which Washington stressed the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic engagement.
According to the US State Department, Rubio supported efforts to de-escalate tensions and urged all sides to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. (Devdiscourse)
In a statement following the conversation, Abiy focused on strengthening relations between Ethiopia and the United States, describing the discussion as productive and welcoming opportunities for deeper strategic cooperation.
Ethiopian Troops Advance Towards Eritrean Border
The diplomatic engagement comes as Ethiopian federal forces reportedly advanced into Zalambessa, a town near the Eritrean border previously controlled by Tigrayan rebels.
A Reuters report published on October 13 said Ethiopian troops had reached the town, while witnesses and a conflict monitor reported that Eritrean forces had entered the area the previous week to support Tigrayan rebels. However, it remained unclear whether Eritrean troops were still present when Ethiopian forces arrived. (Reuters)
The reported troop movements have heightened concerns about a possible confrontation between the two neighbouring countries, whose relations have deteriorated in recent months.
Dispute Over Security and Red Sea Access
The tensions extend beyond the fighting in northern Ethiopia, with both countries exchanging accusations over military activities and regional security.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of deploying troops inside its territory and supporting armed opposition groups. Eritrea has denied allegations of an incursion and accused Addis Ababa of pursuing policies that could lead to military confrontation. The claims remain contested. (Reuters)
Access to the Red Sea has also become a major point of disagreement. Ethiopia, which lost its coastline following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has repeatedly emphasized the strategic and economic importance of securing access to the sea.
Eritrea, meanwhile, has expressed concern over Ethiopia’s statements on maritime access, amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two governments.
The latest developments have raised concerns about the potential consequences for regional stability, particularly as renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia threatens to widen the crisis.
Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions are continuing, but the situation along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains uncertain.
