Marco Rubio calls for stability in Ethiopia and Eritrea

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Ethiopia and Eritrea to reduce tensions and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their neighbors. Rubio warned that the Horn of Africa cannot afford further conflict, emphasizing the need to avoid cross-border incursions.

In response to these remarks, the Alliance for Survival issued a statement clarifying that its military operations are not driven by separatist goals or attempts to fragment the country. Instead, the group described its actions as legitimate self-defense following the government's alleged refusal to pursue peaceful resolutions, such as those outlined in the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement.

The regional situation shows signs of expanding, with reports of Eritrean forces crossing the border at Zelambesa. There are ongoing suspicions that Eritrea may be supporting the Alliance for Survival to weaken the Ethiopian government, particularly regarding Ethiopia's efforts to gain access to the Red Sea.