Marco Rubio urges Ethiopia to de-escalate tensions with Eritrea

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to urge de-escalation in the Horn of Africa amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The State Department emphasized the need for dialogue and engagement based on the 2018 Ethiopia-Eritrea peace framework, stressing that all nations must respect sovereignty and avoid cross-border incursions.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the conversation as ‘extremely productive,’ framing it as a step toward a stronger strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the United States. While the U.S. readout focused heavily on the necessity of easing the standoff with Eritrea, the Prime Minister’s account was broader, focusing on bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The diplomatic efforts come as fighting in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region has intensified, reportedly undermining previous peace agreements. Human Rights Watch has reported civilian casualties resulting from shelling in southern Tigray. Ethiopia has accused Eritrean troops of occupying its territory, while Eritrea has condemned Ethiopia’s actions.