Rubio Urges Restraint as Ethiopia-Eritrea Tensions Risk Wider Regional War

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that rising military tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could escalate into a broader regional war, urging the Ethiopian government to exercise restraint amid renewed fighting in the north.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Rubio addressed growing concerns over the risk of a clash between the two Horn of Africa neighbors. 

“You see troops surging on both sides of the border,” Rubio said. “And anytime you see troops on both sides of the border in a place like that, you’re always worried that that can turn into a broader conflict.”

Rubio attributed the initial escalation to attacks by groups he described as “separatists” inside Ethiopia, which were followed by a military response from the Ethiopian government. The renewed hostilities have amplified fears of widespread instability threatening the wider Horn of Africa.

He also pressed on whether Washington erred in lifting certain sanctions shortly before the latest outbreak of violence.

Defending the decision to ease sanctions, Rubio characterized the measures as targeted, explaining that Washington hoped the move would help open diplomatic lines of communication with Eritrea. He added that the US has stepped up engagement with Asmara in recent months, emphasizing that direct dialogue with both governments remains vital to preventing further escalation.

Rubio also confirmed that he spoke with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed earlier in the week. During the call, he reportedly acknowledged Ethiopia’s legitimate security concerns while urging a measured response to keep the tensions from spiraling.

“The last thing the world needs right now is another war,” Rubio said, warning that a wider conflict could ultimately draw in neighboring states.