UK urges Ethiopia and Eritrea to de-escalate, saying it opposes any action that breaches a neighbour’s border

The United Kingdom has said it has noted “with great concern” the worsening security situation in the Horn of Africa and has called on all parties to avoid escalation. The statement was issued on 15 October by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and attributed to a UK government spokesperson.

In the text published on GOV.UK, London does not name either government. It asks all parties to respect “the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries in the region” and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.

The spokesperson also set out a clear position on borders: “The UK opposes action by any party which breaches the border of its neighbouring states.” The statement calls urgently for “de-escalation and a return to dialogue”, and says the UK supports the African Union’s role in facilitating it.

On humanitarian issues, the spokesperson said safe and unhindered humanitarian access is essential, and that all parties must protect civilians, including women and girls, and comply with international humanitarian law.

Background

The statement comes after a run of escalating exchanges between the two neighbours that Geopolitiki has been following. See Ethiopia and Eritrea break diplomatic ties as fighting closes on Tigray capital and Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of war: Addis Ababa tells the UN of an “all-out invasion”, Asmara cites a “war of aggression”. Those descriptions are the claims of the two governments; the UK statement does not adopt either account.

The British text is a statement of position. It announces no sanctions, funding or deployment.