Necva Tastan Sevinc
06 October 2026•Update: 06 October 2026
The European Union warned Monday that escalating violence in Ethiopia and rising tensions with neighboring Eritrea risk triggering a broader conflict across the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued by its high representative on behalf of the bloc, the EU expressed alarm over the continued escalation and its potential consequences for regional peace and stability.
“This risks triggering a broader regional conflict, with severe consequences for peace and stability across the Horn of Africa,” the statement said.
The bloc called for immediate de-escalation on all fronts, urging those involved to refrain from actions or rhetoric that could heighten tensions.
It also urged parties to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to recommit to its full implementation within the African Union framework.
“Civilians need to be protected at all times, and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured,” the statement said, stressing that respect for international humanitarian law is imperative.
The EU reiterated that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected and called on external actors to refrain from interference.
It urged those actors to use their influence to prevent further escalation and advance political solutions and diplomacy.
Severed ties, accusations
The statement comes amid renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and fighters affiliated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), with clashes reported in parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.
The TPLF and federal officials have traded accusations over responsibility for the renewed hostilities.
Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave. Ethiopia and Egypt also expelled diplomats amid the widening dispute.
Ethiopian military officials have accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of supporting the Tigrayan-led opposition alliance. The countries have rejected the allegations.
The African Union has urged restraint, warning that renewed fighting risks reversing gains under the November 2022 Pretoria agreement.
That agreement ended a two-year war between Ethiopia’s federal government and the TPLF that killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. Disputes over territory, the return of displaced people, and disarmament remain unresolved.
