US Secretary of State Calls for De-escalation Between Ethiopia and Eritrea

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Rubio urged for de-escalation, emphasizing that a lasting solution for regional stability requires dialogue and adherence to the 2018 peace agreement principles. While Rubio publicly warned that the Horn of Africa cannot afford another conflict, Prime Minister Abiy's official statement focused on mutual support and bilateral cooperation without explicitly mentioning the specific tension with Eritrea. The diplomatic conversation comes amidst reports of a cooling of relations between Washington and Asmara, as evidenced by recent high-level meetings and the lifting of sanctions.