Moscow proposes direct mediation between Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki amid rising Horn of Africa tensions
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Russia has announced its readiness to facilitate direct mediation talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The offer presents a potential diplomatic platform as the two Horn of Africa nations face strained bilateral relations following the recent escalation of conflict in northern Ethiopia.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the summit’s official opening under the theme “For Peace, Security, and Development,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed Moscow’s willingness to assist in de-escalating regional tensions if both heads of state express interest in dialogue. The summit marks the first occasion that Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias are attending the same international forum since diplomatic relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara deteriorated sharply in September 2026. President Isaias arrived in the Russian capital earlier in the week for bilateral discussions with President Vladimir Putin, while Prime Minister Abiy landed in Moscow on Wednesday to lead the Ethiopian delegation.
During his press engagement, Lavrov addressed inquiries regarding Moscow’s position on Horn of Africa stability, nuclear energy cooperation frameworks with Ethiopia, and regional maritime security. Emphasizing the deep historical ties and shared border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Lavrov noted that prolonged estrangement between neighboring states poses risks to regional stability and urged both administrations to resolve differences through structured diplomatic channels.
The mediation proposal comes amid intensified international focus on the Horn of Africa, where recent military developments and sharp rhetorical exchanges between Ethiopian and Eritrean officials have raised concerns about broader regional instability. While neither country has officially confirmed a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Moscow summit, diplomatic observers view the gathering as an opportunity for direct engagement.
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