Addis Ababa:The African Union Commission has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint in light of increasing tensions over regional issues such as seaport access, water resources, and military alliances in the Horn of Africa.

According to Anadolu Agency, the commission expressed its concern about the situation, emphasizing the need for the countries to avoid actions or statements that could escalate tensions and threaten regional peace and stability.

The commission highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication channels and urged the nations to resolve their differences through diplomatic means and peaceful dialogue, in line with the African Union's Constitutive Act. It also stated its readiness to assist in efforts towards de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

In a related development, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian embassy employee in Addis Ababa, persona non grata, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. Additionally, Ethiopia decided to close its embassy in Asmara, Eritrea, and declared ten Eritrean diplomats persona non grata. In response, Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.

These diplomatic moves coincide with renewed clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front in northern Ethiopia. The geopolitical tensions are further complicated by disputes over Red Sea seaport access, Ethiopia's quest for maritime routes, disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Egypt, and shifting alliances in the region.