Sami

Ethiopia, as the Host Country of the African Union Headquarters, Is Violating the Founding Principles of the African Union by Allowing Its Territory to Be Used for Aggression Against Neighbouring States Ethiopia, the host country of the African Union headquarters, is acting in contravention of the very principles upon which the African Union was founded by allowing its territory to be used as a launching ground for aggression against neighbouring countries. In doing so, Ethiopia is violating the principles and obligations of good neighbourliness, peace and security by harbouring armed gangs and mercenaries, and by facilitating the deployment of drones to target and destroy infrastructure and civilian facilities, including water, electricity and fuel installations, as is currently taking place in Sudan. How can collective African action advance and prosper when the country hosting the headquarters of the continent’s foremost organisation, and publicly proclaiming its commitment to protecting the rights of Africa’s peoples and safeguarding their security and stability, is itself undermining these very principles? How can such an African vision be realised when that same country allows its territory to be used to launch attacks against civilian and essential service facilities in fellow Member States—facilities that are vital to the lives of citizens, their fundamental rights and the interests of African peoples? Sudan is a neighbouring country and a founding member of the African Union system. Nevertheless, Ethiopia has allowed the presence of the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and enabled it to conduct terrorist activities from airports and locations within Ethiopian territory. Furthermore, Ethiopia has permitted the Government of Abu Dhabi to supply the most dangerous criminal militia known to the world with all manner of military equipment, strategic weapons and drones. It should be noted that the terrorist rebel RSF militia is responsible for grave violations against the men and women of Sudan, killing them on ethnic and tribal grounds. It is deeply regrettable that such a terrorist militia should find refuge or room to operate on Ethiopian territory. Sudan shares a geographical border with Ethiopia, and the two countries are bound by longstanding historical and demographic ties, as well as exceptionally close humanitarian and economic relations. The Sudanese people hold the Ethiopian people in the highest regard and esteem. Accordingly, responsibility demands that the Ethiopian leadership urgently reconsider these reckless policies, put an end to these hostile actions, and refrain from allowing Ethiopian territory to serve as a conduit for advancing agendas that run counter to the objectives and principles of the African Union and the aspirations of the peoples of the African continent. Such actions also undermine the continent’s liberation ideals and the principles championed by the pioneers of Africa’s liberation movements in their struggle against colonial policies and practices designed to sow division and discrimination among the peoples of the African continent. They further allow those seeking to obstruct Africa’s renaissance to extend their influence through Ethiopian territory and use its airports as platforms for launching attacks against neighbouring states. Sudan continues to pursue a policy of diplomacy as a last resort, guided by all the values of cooperation and partnership with neighbouring countries, and firmly committed to the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for the sovereignty of states. Ethiopia must immediately cease these acts of aggression against Sudan. Respect for sovereignty and the principles of good neighbourliness is a responsibility that cannot be deferred. Sudan’s sovereignty and national security are a red line! Khalid Al-Eisir Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism Tuesday, 3 November 2026