Cairo condemned the recent statement issued by the African Union Commission regarding what it described as escalating tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt. An informed Egyptian source expressed deep astonishment, affirming that Cairo sees the mention of its name in the internal Ethiopian issue as incomprehensible.

Non-interference in internal affairs

In response to press inquiries, the source emphasized that Egypt takes pride in its African identity and being one of the founding countries of the African Union, clarifying that Egypt's foreign policy is based on the principles of international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, including respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and commitment to good neighborliness.

He added that the current crisis in Ethiopia is an internal issue with no relation to Egypt, stressing that one should not be swayed by attempts from some to divert attention from the true internal motives behind what is happening in Ethiopia.

Movements that do not aid in calming the situation

The source confirmed that such movements will not help in calming the situation in a sister African country that needs the support of the African Commission to emerge from the cycles of chronic conflicts it suffers from.

The source noted that Egypt remains committed to working diligently in coordination with its African brothers to meet the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the continent in promoting peace and security and enhancing economic and investment partnerships, to achieve a better tomorrow that brings dignity, welfare, and prosperity to African countries.

The Egyptian statements came following a statement issued by the African Union Commission regarding what it described as escalating tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt.

The African Union Commission called on the three countries to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any actions or statements that could escalate tensions and threaten regional peace and stability, while keeping communication channels open and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.

The Commission affirmed its readiness to support efforts to de-escalate and dialogue among the concerned parties.

Diplomatic crisis between Cairo and Addis Ababa

Egyptian-Ethiopian relations witnessed a diplomatic crisis in the past two days after Addis Ababa announced on October 1 that it considered an Egyptian diplomat a persona non grata and granted him a 48-hour deadline to leave the country, without clarifying the reasons for the decision.

Egypt responded in kind, announcing that an advisor at the Ethiopian embassy in Cairo was also declared a persona non grata and given the same deadline to leave.

This coincided with rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, after Addis Ababa announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats, before Eritrea announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.