Democrats urge Rubio to act on Ethiopia
Leading Senate Democrats want the US to restrict arms to Ethiopia and expand TPS amid escalating tensions.
Democratic lawmakers have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take urgent diplomatic action to address the escalating conflict in Ethiopia and the surrounding region. In a letter obtained by Semafor, senators including Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons argue that renewed fighting in Tigray and increasing tensions with Eritrea could trigger a multi-front war with destabilizing consequences.
Lawmakers are urging the State Department to back an immediate ceasefire and broader mediation efforts, reinstating Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians in the US, halting arms sales to Ethiopia, and delivering increased food aid as the country faces worsening drought and food insecurity. The senators warn against including the strategic Port of Assab in any negotiations, as Ethiopia seeks control of the port.
The State Department has declined to comment on the matter. Clashes in Tigray resumed in August, with the Tigray People's Liberation Front-led regional government launching an offensive after weeks of aerial attacks from the Ethiopian government. The TPLF fought alongside other opposition groups, but the campaign faltered within days and federal forces recaptured most of Tigray.
The Trump administration imposed visa restrictions on TPLF "hardliners" in June but lifted the arms-export ban on Ethiopia in May and allowed sanctions targeting the conflict to lapse in September. Rubio had previously called for de-escalation in an October conversation with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with the State Department describing "peace through dialogue" as the only path toward sustainable security and prosperity.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
