The African Union Commission has clarified that its 1 October 2026 call for restraint and de-escalation in the Horn of Africa was not meant to blame any neighbouring country for the current tensions.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Arab Republic of Egypt over the earlier statement.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Spokesperson to the AU Chairperson, Mr Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, the Commission said it had taken note of Egypt’s observations and wished to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of the African Union.
These, it said include respect for the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of States, as well as non-interference in their internal affairs.
The Commission said it remains committed to political solutions and to ensuring that military solutions do not prevail.
It stressed that its statements and positions fall strictly within its mandate to support peace, security and stability on the continent, and are not intended to comment on the internal developments of any Member State.
According to the Commission, the earlier statement was never intended to assign responsibility for the ongoing developments to any neighbouring State. It said the statement was simply a call for de-escalation following the expulsion of diplomats from the three capitals.
The Commission explained that its call for restraint, open channels of communication and recourse to diplomatic means was made in line with its institutional responsibility under the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Statutes of the African Union Commission.
The aim, it said, was to prevent misunderstanding, escalation or a widening of tensions that could affect regional stability.
The Commission also underscored the importance it attaches to its close relationship with Egypt. It noted that Egypt is a founding Member State of the African Union and a key partner in promoting peace and security, integration and development on the continent.
