Washington, DC -- Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea:

“Ethiopia and Eritrea are approaching a dangerous path toward renewed conflict. Threatening rhetoric from both governments risks turning rising tensions into a major military confrontation. This, coupled with the ongoing fighting in Ethiopia’s Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions, risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa and devastating both Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.

“Under the 2018 ‘Jeddah Peace Agreement,’ Ethiopia and Eritrea pledged to respect each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Both governments must honor those commitments, halt threats of military action, and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and resolve their differences through diplomacy.

"The United States has a strategic interest in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The Trump administration must work to ensure adherence to regional peace agreements.” 

###