Eritrean President Visits Egypt Amid Ethiopia Ties Cut and Tigray Clashes

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Egypt for a working visit on Saturday, following the collapse of diplomatic ties between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The visit was at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and took place amid escalating fighting in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region. The summit of heads of state was a continuation of forums addressing regional security and partnership.

Afwerki and el-Sisi discussed bilateral ties, regional developments, and mutual concerns. Egypt will host a four-way summit on Sunday, bringing together Afwerki, el-Sisi, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudan's Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The summit aims to consult and coordinate on regional issues of mutual concern.

The diplomatic rupture came days after Ethiopia severed ties with Eritrea, accusing the latter of supporting armed groups fighting against the Ethiopian government. The two countries had been allies during the 2020-2022 Tigray war, but relations deteriorated over Ethiopia's push for direct access to the Red Sea. Fighting resumed in northern Ethiopia on September 23 when Tigrayan forces attacked airports and launched attacks into neighboring regions.

At least 52 civilians were killed during three days of heavy fighting around Alamata, and Doctors Without Borders reported over 420 wounded. Human Rights First raised concerns about more than 70 civilians killed in recent incidents. A pro-government militia commander claimed Eritrean soldiers were involved in the fighting, though verification is difficult due to communication disruptions.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who will be sworn in for a new term after June elections, faces conflict from several armed groups forming an alliance to remove his government from power. The African Union has called for maximum restraint from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt amid growing diplomatic tensions.