Four African leaders issue joint declaration as Ethiopia war escalates

Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan released a joint declaration after leaders met in New Alamein City, urging political and peaceful resolutions to escalating conflicts in the region. The statement addressed the civil war in Sudan and intensified fighting in Ethiopia while calling for dialogue rather than confrontation on cross-border challenges, a point highlighted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during the meeting.

The communiqué explicitly supported Sudan's military-led authorities and urged a political process steered by Sudanese parties. Sudan has been embroiled in armed conflict since April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the document came amid reciprocal accusations between Sudan and Ethiopia of interference in each other's affairs.

The declaration also asserted that control of the Red Sea should rest with coastal states, a response observers say appears aimed at Ethiopia's efforts to secure sovereign access to the sea and develop a naval presence. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Al Jazeera that Mogadishu does not oppose Ethiopia obtaining commercial access via Somali ports if such arrangements are negotiated with Somalia.

The release of the joint statement coincided with a new escalation in Ethiopia, where federal forces and a seven-group armed alliance, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), have been fighting. Government and allied troops retook Mekelle as TPLF forces said they had temporarily withdrawn, and Ethiopian state media reported plans to install a temporary administration in Tigray and aim for regional elections in coming months. Addis Ababa has accused Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan of supporting the armed alliance; officials from those countries have denied such involvement, while Eritrea's information minister accused Ethiopia of seeking a pretext to attack Eritrea.