Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan urge dialogue to end Sudan war, ease Ethiopia-Tigray tensions
Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan issued a joint statement Sunday in New Alamein City calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution to end Sudan's civil war and de-escalate Ethiopia's Tigray crisis. The statement, signed by Egyptian President el-Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Mohamud, and Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan per Al Jazeera, demanded coastal states retain control of the Red Sea—directly countering Ethiopia's pursuit of sovereign sea access.
This diplomatic push comes amid rising tensions between Ethiopia's federal government and Tigray authorities, reigniting fears of renewed war after Premium Times reported armed clashes in the region two weeks ago. Rebel forces had seized Mekelle and its airport before govt troops retook the city Sunday following TPLF's announced temporary withdrawal. Tigray interim leader Abraham Belay accused the government of preparing a new regional administration and hoping for elections within months, while Ethiopia accused Eritrea, Egypt, and Sudan of backing the rebel alliance.
For Nigeria, this regional instability threatens Horn of Africa security, could disrupt Red Sea trade routes vital to global commerce, and risks refugee flows affecting neighboring states. As an AU and ECOWAS key player, Nigeria has strategic interest in continental peace mechanisms. How might Nigeria leverage its AU/ECOWAS position to support diplomatic solutions given the Red Sea tensions and Ethiopia-Tigray stalemate, considering both continental stability and potential economic impacts on trade routes?