The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) has urged the United States to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent escalating conflicts in Ethiopia from triggering a wider regional war in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement, AEPAC expressed support for a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by members of Congress, raising concerns over deteriorating security in Ethiopia, renewed fighting in the Tigray region, the prolonged conflict in Amhara and rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The committee warned that continued hostilities, coupled with the potential involvement of regional actors, could deepen instability, worsen the humanitarian crisis and threaten security across the wider region.
“The escalating crisis underscores the urgent need for sustained U.S. diplomatic leadership, coordinated regional engagement, the protection of civilians, and a credible, inclusive, and sustainable peace process,” AEPAC said.
The organisation also cited the recent formation of the Alliance for Survival (AFS) among developments contributing to concerns over Ethiopia’s security situation.
AEPAC endorsed the congressional recommendations and called on the US Department of State to take eight key measures, including appointing a senior special envoy for the Horn of Africa with sufficient authority to engage directly with the leadership of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The proposed envoy would coordinate diplomatic efforts with the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN) to address the growing security crisis.
The committee also urged Washington to push for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive peace process supported by independent monitoring and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.
On relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, AEPAC called for direct engagement with both governments to prevent an interstate war and urged them to honour their commitments under the 2018 Jeddah Agreement.
It further called on the US to caution Egypt, Sudan and Gulf partners against providing military assistance or other support to armed proxies that could intensify the conflict.
AEPAC urged Washington to work with Gulf and other regional partners to reduce tensions and halt the supply of drones and other weapons used in attacks that endanger civilians.
The committee also called on the Ethiopian government to guarantee unrestricted humanitarian access to populations in need and restore essential emergency response funding.
It further asked the US administration to provide Congress with detailed information on humanitarian assistance committed to Ethiopia since September 23, 2026.
On human rights, AEPAC called for stronger civilian protection, accountability for alleged war crimes and other serious violations, and assistance for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The organisation maintained that affected communities must have a meaningful role in peacebuilding and reconciliation, while urging Washington to reinstate targeted sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals responsible for atrocities or actions contributing to escalating violence.
The committee also called for increased US diplomatic and analytical capacity in the region, including stronger early-warning systems, sustained diplomatic engagement and regular briefings to Congress on the administration’s strategy for preventing further conflict.
AEPAC argued that preventing a wider war would be less costly than responding after an escalation, warning that further fighting could increase displacement, deepen humanitarian suffering and undermine regional stability.
“The United States has an important role to play in supporting preventive diplomacy, encouraging regional cooperation, protecting vulnerable populations, and advancing a credible and sustainable path toward peace,” the statement said.
The committee urged the Department of State to respond urgently and backed the congressional leaders’ request for a briefing on the administration’s strategy by November 30, 2026.
AEPAC reaffirmed its commitment to peace, civilian protection and lasting stability in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa, calling on US policymakers and regional partners to pursue diplomatic solutions before the crisis develops into a more devastating regional conflict.
