The European Union called for an immediate halt to escalating violence in Ethiopia and urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to defuse their growing confrontation, warning that the conflict could spread across the Horn of Africa.
The warning follows a sharp deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats on October 1, 2026, citing national security threats. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic relations with Ethiopia and described the expulsion of its ambassador as “astounding.” The diplomatic rupture followed explosions and drone attacks against defense facilities in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which has fought forces loyal to Ethiopia’s federal government. Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt have rejected the accusation.
Tensions have also increased over landlocked Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sovereign access to the sea and Red Sea port infrastructure.
The latest confrontation has shattered the 2018 peace agreement that ended a prolonged military stalemate and led to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Amid renewed tensions, the EU urged the parties to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to fully implement it through the African Union framework. It also called on all sides to avoid rhetoric or actions that could aggravate the situation.
The bloc said international humanitarian law must be observed, civilians protected, and humanitarian organizations granted unhindered access to people requiring assistance.
Outside powers should refrain from interference, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and encourage diplomatic solutions rather than further escalation, according to the EU.
The EU also said it was prepared to support diplomatic efforts toward dialogue and peaceful resolution while continuing to promote regional stability, cooperation and economic integration in the Horn of Africa.
