Author Archives: advocacy4oromia
Oromo Youth and Elders Rally in The Hague, Protest Killings and Rights Abuses in Ethiopia
The Hague, Netherlands — Oromo youth and many members of the older generation living in the Netherlands took to the streets yesterday in a powerful demonstration, raising their voices in support of the Oromo people in Ethiopia and protesting against the killings and human rights violations being committed against innocent civilians.
The demonstration, held on 18 September 2026 in The Hague (Den Haag), brought together generations of the Oromo diaspora — young activists standing shoulder to shoulder with elders — united in their demand for justice and an end to the suffering of their people.
A Government Accused
Protesters directed sharp criticism at the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accusing it of using the name of the Oromo people while Oromos are being killed and left to suffer. The demonstrators voiced their rejection of what they described as a government that claims to represent the Oromo while failing to protect them.
Among the slogans and demands raised during the demonstration were urgent calls for the government to stop forcing young people into military service and to halt the killing of innocent civilians.
Targeted for Politics
The demonstrators also protested against what they described as the targeting and killing of people for political reasons — a practice they say has claimed the lives of countless innocent Oromos.
The rally was marked by the presence of both the youth and the older generation, a visible sign of the unity and shared commitment of the Oromo diaspora across generations. Their message was clear: the killings must stop, human rights must be respected, and the voices of the Oromo people must be heard.
A Diaspora’s Voice
The Hague demonstration is the latest in a series of protests by the Oromo diaspora across Europe and beyond, as communities abroad continue to speak out against the violence and repression they say their people face at home.
For those who gathered in The Hague, the protest was more than a political statement — it was an act of solidarity with families and communities in Ethiopia, and a declaration that the Oromo people’s struggle for justice, dignity, and freedom will not be silenced.
Addis Ababa University Mechanical Engineering Class of 1978 Celebrates 40th Graduation Anniversary
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Graduates of the 1978 Ethiopian calendar Mechanical Engineering class from Addis Ababa University’s College of Technology reunited after four decades to celebrate their 40th graduation anniversary in a special programme filled with reflection, nostalgia, and renewed commitment to collaboration.
The event brought together alumni who had not seen one another in forty years, offering a unique opportunity to relive memories, renew friendships, and discuss ways to contribute to their alma mater and the next generation of engineers.
A Warm Welcome from the University
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samuel Kifle, President of Addis Ababa University, extended a heartfelt welcome to the returning graduates.
He called upon the alumni to share the professional and life experiences they have accumulated over the past four decades with current students, and to support the university’s ongoing development efforts.
The President’s message underscored the invaluable role that seasoned graduates play in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.
Strengthening Ties Between Alumni and University
During the discussion, key themes emerged around deepening the connection between alumni and the university’s transformation process. Participants explored ways to strengthen collaboration in:
- Research and innovation — leveraging alumni expertise to advance cutting-edge projects
- University-industry linkages — building bridges between academia and the professional world
- Student career development — mentoring and guiding the next generation of engineers
- Institutional development — supporting the university’s growth and modernisation efforts
The conversation reflected a shared desire among the graduates to give back to the institution that shaped their careers and to ensure that future generations benefit from their collective wisdom.
A Nostalgic Return to Campus
The programme concluded with the alumni touring new facilities and developments at the university, as well as visiting the main campus — a poignant return to the grounds where their professional journeys began four decades ago.
For many, walking through the halls and seeing the changes that have taken place since their graduation was an emotional experience, evoking memories of their student days and the bonds they formed.
The Enduring Value of Alumni Networks
The 40th anniversary celebration highlights the enduring strength of alumni networks and their potential to contribute meaningfully to higher education. As Addis Ababa University continues its transformation journey, the engagement of its graduates — particularly those with decades of experience in industry and public life — will remain a vital asset.
The reunion served as a powerful reminder that the connection between a university and its graduates does not end at commencement. Rather, it evolves into a lifelong partnership built on shared history, mutual respect, and a common commitment to excellence.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 1978 Mechanical Engineering graduates return to their respective roles, they carry with them renewed connections and a strengthened sense of purpose. Their willingness to engage with their alma mater signals a promising future for collaboration between Addis Ababa University and its alumni community.
For the university, the event was more than a celebration of the past — it was an investment in the future, one built on the experience, wisdom, and generosity of those who once walked its halls as students and now return as esteemed graduates.
The 40th anniversary celebration stands as a testament to the lasting bonds formed at Addis Ababa University and the enduring spirit of its alumni community.
Gifata Festival Celebrated in Wolaita Sodo with Color, Unity, and Cultural Pride
(ENA, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia) — The 2019 Ethiopian calendar Gifata festival, marking the Wolaita New Year, is being celebrated in grand style at the Wolaita Sodo Multipurpose Stadium with a series of vibrant events and cultural performances.
The 2026 celebration is being held under the theme: “Let us protect our ancestral heritage; let us continue the legacy of Gifata.”
A Festival of Reconciliation and Unity
Gifata is far more than a New Year celebration. It is a deeply meaningful cultural festival that reflects Ethiopian unity and solidarity — a time when relatives and friends who have been apart come together, when the scattered reunite, and when those who have fallen out reconcile.
It is described as a celebration of peace, love, unity, and joy — a powerful expression of the values that bind communities together across generations.
The festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Wolaita people and serves as a symbol of shared identity, mutual respect, and collective hope for the year ahead.
A UNESCO-Recognised Heritage
In December 2018, Gifata was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This year’s celebration marks the first time the festival has been held on such a grand scale since receiving that prestigious recognition.
The UNESCO listing affirmed Gifata’s significance not only to Ethiopia but to the world — recognising it as a living tradition that embodies cultural diversity, community resilience, and the universal human desire for connection and renewal.
A Gathering of Dignitaries and Communities
The celebration has drawn a wide cross-section of participants, including:
- Tilahun Kebede, Chief Administrator of the South Ethiopia Regional State
- Federal, regional, zonal, city administration, and district government officials
- Elders and community leaders
- Religious fathers
- Invited delegates from all Ethiopian regions
- Local residents from across the area
Their presence underscores the festival’s role as a unifying force that transcends regional and ethnic boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared celebration of culture and heritage.
What Is Gifata?
Gifata is the traditional New Year festival of the Wolaita people, celebrated annually in September. It marks the transition from one year to the next and is a time for:
- Giving thanks for the blessings of the past year
- Strengthening relationships with family and community
- Reconciling differences and seeking forgiveness
- Celebrating cultural identity through music, dance, and traditional attire
- Looking forward with hope to the year ahead
The festival is characterised by colourful processions, traditional songs and dances, communal feasting, and the exchange of blessings among elders and youth.
A Celebration of Heritage and Hope
As the Gifata festival unfolds in Wolaita Sodo, it serves as a powerful reminder of the richness of Ethiopia’s cultural tapestry. In a world where traditions are often under pressure, Gifata stands as a testament to the resilience of community, the importance of heritage, and the enduring power of celebration.
The theme of this year’s festival — protecting ancestral heritage and continuing the legacy of Gifata — speaks directly to the responsibility of each generation to preserve and pass on the cultural treasures entrusted to them.
Looking Ahead
With its UNESCO recognition and growing participation, Gifata continues to shine as a beacon of Ethiopian culture and unity. As communities gather in Wolaita Sodo to welcome the new year, they do so with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.
Happy Gifata! May the new year bring peace, prosperity, and unity to all.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency (EZA)
Minnesota Oromo Community Celebrates Irreecha with Gratitude, Unity, and Hope
Minnesota, USA — The Oromo community in Minnesota gathered at Lake Nokomis on 19 September 2026 to celebrate Irreecha, the sacred Oromo Thanksgiving festival, in a vibrant and deeply meaningful observance that brought together families and friends from across the state.
The celebration, organised by Hawaasa Oromoo Minnesota, was marked by prayers, cultural performances, traditional attire, and a shared spirit of gratitude that reflected the enduring strength of Oromo heritage in the diaspora.
Irreecha: A Festival That Unites the World
During the celebration, speakers described Irreecha as a great Oromo festival that brings the global Oromo community together and showcases the beauty and richness of Oromo culture to the world.
It was emphasised that Irreecha has reached its current level of recognition through immense effort and dedication over many years. Community members were reminded that the journey to elevate the festival has not been easy, and that the sacrifices made along the way must always be honoured.
The gathering also paused to remember the tragic events of 2016 at Arsadi, where lives were lost during Irreecha celebrations. Those who gathered were reminded that the sacrifices made that day will never be forgotten — a solemn moment that underscored the resilience and determination of the Oromo people.
A Celebration Rooted in Gratitude
Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of Oromo culture. Irreecha is a time when the Oromo people come together to give thanks to Waaqa for life, peace, rain, harvest, family, and the blessings of the past season.
More than just a celebration, Irreecha is an expression of gratitude, unity, reconciliation, hope, and renewal. People gather in nature, often near rivers and lakes, carrying fresh green branches and flowers as symbols of life, abundance, and renewal.
Through prayers, songs, traditional clothing, and cultural expressions, communities celebrate together and give thanks for the blessings of creation.
Strengthening Relationships and Building Unity
Irreecha is also a time to strengthen relationships, forgive one another, resolve differences, and look toward the future with hope. The celebration reflects the deep Oromo understanding that human beings are connected to one another, to the land, and to the natural world.
In Minnesota, this spirit of unity was on full display as community members came together in traditional attire, sharing prayers, songs, and fellowship. Elders, youth, and children alike participated in the festivities, ensuring that the traditions of their ancestors continue to thrive in the diaspora.
A Message of Peace and Hope
As the celebration drew to a close, heartfelt wishes were extended to Oromo communities around the world:
“May this Irreecha bring peace to our hearts, unity to our communities, prosperity to our families, and hope for the generations to come.”
The gathering concluded with the traditional blessings that echo across Oromo celebrations everywhere:
“Happy Irreecha! 🌿 🙏🏾 🌳”
“Horaa bulaa, deebanaa! ❤️💚❤️”
Irreecha: A Tradition That Transcends Borders
Irreecha remains a powerful symbol of Oromo identity, connecting millions of people across Ethiopia and the global diaspora. From the shores of Lake Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu to community halls and parks in Minnesota, London, Melbourne, and beyond, the festival continues to unite Oromo people in gratitude, hope, and shared heritage.
As the Oromo community in Minnesota demonstrated, Irreecha is not merely a tradition of the past — it is a living, breathing celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring bonds of community.
Irreecha nagaan! 🌿
“The Game Is Not Over”: Oromo Activist Gamachu Dembali Declares Abyssinian Colonialism Must End
By Gamachu Dembali
In a forceful political statement marking what he calls an unbroken history of conquest, Oromo activist Gamachu Dembali has declared that Abyssinian colonialism in Oromia “has never ended and must end” — calling for full decolonization, the restoration of Oromo identity, and the right to self-determination.
Dembali’s statement, dated 20 September 2026, draws on the words of British writer Evelyn Waugh to frame what he describes as the systematic destruction of Oromo culture and society.
“Nothing to Give, Nothing to Teach”
Quoting Waugh’s account of Abyssinian rule, Dembali cites the writer’s observation that the Abyssinians “had nothing to give their subject peoples, nothing to teach them” — no crafts or knowledge, no new systems of agriculture or road-making, no medicine or hygiene, no higher political organization, “no superiority except in their magazine rifles and belts of cartridges.”
Waugh wrote that they “built nothing,” squatting in the villages of conquered peoples, “dirty, idle and domineering, burning the timber, devouring the crops, taxing the meager stream of commerce.”
“Waugh was absolutely right,” Dembali writes. “This is the exact history of the destruction of Oromo culture and Oromo society.”
The Second Weapon: Forced Religious Colonization
But Dembali argues that Waugh did not fully tell the story. Alongside the rifle, he contends, came another weapon — one that “has poisoned the minds of the Oromo and other colonized peoples.”
“They brought forced religious colonization,” he writes. “They imposed their Orthodox religion and beliefs upon the Oromo, a system completely contrary to Oromo religion, Waaqeffannaa, and to Oromo values embodied in the Gadaa system.”
Religion, he argues, was used as an effective tool of conquest. “While their guns killed millions of Oromos physically, their imposed religion was used to destroy the minds, identity and values of millions more.”
“Colonialism in Its Purest Form”
Dembali rejects any framing of this history as a civilizing mission. “It was colonialism in its purest form: to exploit, to enslave, to erase, and to replace,” he writes.
And, he warns, “the game is not over.” In the 21st century, he argues, the Oromo people remain under the same Abyssinian colonial system, “operating with the same mindset, only under different names and different regimes.” The structures of domination, cultural erasure, and political subjugation, he says, continue.
A Demand for Decolonization
The statement closes with a declaration and a set of demands: that Abyssinian colonialism in Oromia has never ended and must end; full decolonization; the restoration of Oromo identity, culture and values; and the right of the Oromo people to self-determination and freedom in their own land.
The statement is signed by Gamachu Dembali and carries the hashtag #FreeOromiya.
The views expressed in this feature are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this publication.
Edmonton Oromo Community Celebrates Irreecha Malkaa in Vibrant Cultural Splendor
(ONA, Edmonton, 19 September 2026) The Oromo community in Edmonton, Canada, came together in joyous celebration of Irreecha Malkaa – Edmonton, honoring their cherished cultural festival with traditional attire, symbolic greenery, and messages of renewal, peace, and hope.
The celebration, held with great warmth and enthusiasm, saw community members adorned in beautifully decorated traditional Oromo clothing, proudly displaying the cultural heritage that binds them together across generations and continents. Participants carried fresh green grass and blooming flowers — the treasured symbols of Irreecha — bringing the essence of the ancestral festival to life in the heart of Canada.
A Message of Renewal and Growth
At the heart of the gathering was the exchange of heartfelt blessings marking the transition from the rainy season to spring. Community members greeted one another with the beloved Irreecha salutation:
“Baga bacaqii gannaa keessaa baatanii booqaa birraa geessan!” — congratulations on emerging from the rains and reaching the blossoming of spring — a message that carries profound meaning of renewal, resilience, and hope for growth and prosperity in the year ahead.
Prayers for Peace, Unity, and New Hope
Beyond the colorful attire and ceremonial symbols, participants shared prayers and good wishes for the community and the wider world:
“Irreechi nagaa, tokkummaa, galata, jaalalaafi abdii haaraa nuuf haa fidu,” they declared — may Irreecha bring us peace, unity, gratitude, love, and new hope.
The message resonated deeply among those gathered, reinforcing the festival’s enduring role as a source of spiritual strength and communal solidarity.
A Celebration of Oromo Identity in the Diaspora
The Edmonton celebration stands as part of a broader global observance of Irreecha by Oromo communities worldwide. Far from their homeland, diaspora communities continue to preserve and nurture their traditions, passing them to new generations and sharing the beauty of Oromo culture with the wider Canadian society.
The vibrant colors of the Oromo flag — green, red, and white — adorned the celebration, and the sounds of traditional songs and blessings echoed through the gathering, creating a space of belonging and pride for all who attended.
A Blessing for All Oromo People
As the celebration concluded, one message rang out clearly for Oromo people everywhere:
“Baga Ayyaana Irreechaa geessan! Happy Irreecha! May this season bring blessings and joy to all Oromo people.”
The Edmonton Irreecha Malkaa celebration was more than a festival — it was a reaffirmation of identity, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Oromo people, united across borders by culture, faith, and hope.
A Heartfelt Thank You: Family Finds Strength in Community’s Love as Ruphael’s Tombstone Is Unveiled
In a deeply moving tribute to a life cherished and never forgotten, a grieving family marked a significant milestone this week — the completion and inauguration of the tombstone for their beloved Ruphael.
In an emotional message shared with family, friends, and community members, the family expressed their deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who stood by them throughout what they described as a painful journey.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we successfully completed and held the final inauguration and unveiling of the tombstone for our beloved Ruphael,” the family said.
A Community That Carried Them Through Darkness
To their communities, the family extended profound thanks for unwavering financial, emotional, and physical contributions. The message painted a picture of a community that refused to let one of its own grieve alone — standing together from the very first day of mourning to the final act of remembrance.
“Your collective generosity, love, and solidarity from the very beginning of the funeral until the completion of the tombstone have carried us through our darkest days,” they wrote.
The statement underscored how the support of an entire community — sustained over months of grief and healing — transformed an unbearable loss into a shared burden, lightened by collective compassion and unwavering presence.
The Comfort of Presence and Shared Memory
To all who attended the final inauguration and unveiling ceremony, the family offered their gratitude from the bottom of their hearts. Their words captured the profound comfort that comes not from grand gestures, but from simple presence.
“Your presence brought us comfort, strength, and a shared space to honor Ruphael’s cherished memory,” the family said. “Knowing that we do not walk this path alone, and seeing how deeply Ruphael was loved by all of you, means more to us than words can ever express.”
The ceremony became more than a formal conclusion to mourning — it was a collective affirmation that Ruphael’s memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.
A Blessing Returned for Kindness Shown
The family closed their message with a blessing for all who showed kindness and compassion: “May God bless you and your families abundantly for your kindness and compassion.”
The unveiling marked not only the completion of a tombstone but the enduring bond between a family and the community that walked beside them every step of the way — a powerful testament to the strength found in solidarity, and to the truth that grief shared is grief diminished.
In their darkest days, this family discovered what so many communities strive to embody: that no one should have to carry loss alone, and that love — expressed through presence, generosity, and collective memory — endures far beyond the grave.
Oromo Community in London Celebrates Irreecha with Joy, Reflection, and Hope
London, UK — The Oromo community in the United Kingdom gathered in London on 19 September 2026 to celebrate Irreecha, the sacred Oromo Thanksgiving festival, in a vibrant display of culture, faith, and unity.
The celebration, organised by Hawaasa Oromoo biyya UK – London, brought together Oromo families and friends from across the United Kingdom for a day of gratitude, reflection, and cultural pride.
A Celebration Rooted in Gratitude
Irreecha is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of Oromo culture. It is a time when the Oromo people come together to give thanks to Waaqa for life, peace, rain, harvest, family, and the blessings of the past season.
More than just a celebration, Irreecha is an expression of gratitude, unity, reconciliation, hope, and renewal. People gather in nature, often near rivers and lakes, carrying fresh green branches and flowers as symbols of life, abundance, and renewal.
Through prayers, songs, traditional clothing, and cultural expressions, communities celebrate together and give thanks for the blessings of creation.
A Time for Reflection and Remembrance
During the London celebration, speakers reflected on the journey of Irreecha and the sacrifices made to elevate the festival to its current standing. It was noted that great effort and dedication were required to bring Irreecha to the level of recognition it enjoys today.
The community also paused to remember the tragic events of 2016 at Arsadi, where lives were lost during Irreecha celebrations. Those who gathered were reminded that the sacrifices made that day will never be forgotten — a solemn moment that underscored the resilience and determination of the Oromo people.
Strengthening Bonds and Building Unity
Irreecha is also a time to strengthen relationships, forgive one another, resolve differences, and look toward the future with hope. The celebration reflects the deep Oromo understanding that human beings are connected to one another, to the land, and to the natural world.
In London, this spirit of unity was on full display as community members came together in traditional attire, sharing prayers, songs, and fellowship. Elders, youth, and children alike participated in the festivities, ensuring that the traditions of their ancestors continue to thrive in the diaspora.
A Message of Peace and Hope
As the celebration drew to a close, heartfelt wishes were extended to Oromo communities around the world:
“May this Irreecha bring peace to our hearts, unity to our communities, prosperity to our families, and hope for the generations to come.”
The gathering concluded with the traditional blessings that echo across Oromo celebrations everywhere:
“Happy Irreecha! 🌿 🙏🏾 🌳”
“Irreecha nagaan! 🌳”
“Horaa bulaa, deebanaa! ❤️💚❤️”
Irreecha: A Tradition That Transcends Borders
Irreecha remains a powerful symbol of Oromo identity, connecting millions of people across Ethiopia and the global diaspora. From the shores of Lake Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu to community halls and parks in London, Melbourne, Minneapolis, and beyond, the festival continues to unite Oromo people in gratitude, hope, and shared heritage.
As the Oromo community in London demonstrated, Irreecha is not merely a tradition of the past — it is a living, breathing celebration of faith, resilience, and the enduring bonds of community.
Irreecha nagaan! 🌿
Victorian Multicultural Commission Acknowledges Yom Kippur, Extends Best Wishes to Jewish Community
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has acknowledged Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, extending its best wishes to all those observing the sacred occasion across Victoria and beyond.
In a statement shared with the community, the Commission described Yom Kippur as “a sacred day of reflection, repentance and renewal.”
A Time for Introspection and Renewal
For those observing, Yom Kippur is a time for introspection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. The day, which follows a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, is dedicated to atonement and reconciliation — both with God and with fellow human beings.
The Commission acknowledged the profound spiritual significance of the day, recognising it as a period when Jewish communities around the world come together in solemn reflection and heartfelt prayer.
Celebrating Faith and Diversity
The Victorian Multicultural Commission extended its best wishes to all those marking this significant day, noting the importance of faith, understanding, and respect in our diverse community.
The statement reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and religions that make up Victoria’s multicultural society.
A Message of Respect
In a gesture of solidarity and respect, the Commission concluded its message with the traditional Hebrew greeting:
“G’mar Chatimah Tovah”
This phrase, which translates to “May you be sealed for a good [year] in the Book of Life,” is a customary greeting exchanged during Yom Kippur, expressing hope for a blessed and prosperous year ahead.
About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and holy day in the Jewish calendar. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Observant Jews spend the day in synagogue, engaging in prayer and reflection, and abstaining from food, drink, and other physical comforts. The day is dedicated to seeking forgiveness for sins committed against God and fellow human beings, and to making resolutions for the year ahead.
A Community United in Respect
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s acknowledgment of Yom Kippur serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and respecting the diverse faith traditions that enrich our community. In a world often divided by differences, such gestures of understanding and goodwill help build bridges of mutual respect and appreciation.
To all those observing Yom Kippur, the Commission extends its warmest wishes for a meaningful and peaceful day.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah.
African Union Sounds Alarm Over Red Sea Escalation, Warns of Regional Fallout
The African Union Commission has expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation in the Red Sea region, condemning attacks on Saudi Arabian territory and international maritime navigation while warning that the crisis threatens to engulf the African continent.
In a strongly worded statement issued from its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Commission condemned attacks carried out by the Houthis against civilian targets and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Holy Sites Must Be Protected
The Commission expressed particular concern over reports of attempted attacks targeting Makkah and other holy cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“It stresses that holy sites, as well as civilians and pilgrims visiting them, must be fully protected and must under no circumstances become targets of military action,” the statement read.
The warning underscores the gravity of a conflict that has already disrupted one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors and now threatens sites of immense religious significance to millions of Muslims worldwide.
Freedom of Navigation at Risk
The Commission strongly reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law.
“Any action aimed at obstructing or threatening navigation along this strategic maritime route poses a serious risk not only to the littoral States, but also to international trade, global supply chains, energy security and African economies,” the Commission warned.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway between Yemen and the Horn of Africa that serves as a gateway for a substantial portion of global trade — including oil shipments and commercial goods — traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Disruption to this route has far-reaching consequences for economies worldwide.
A Strategic Interest for Africa
The Commission underscored that the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major strategic interest for Africa, particularly for the States of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea littoral States.
For countries such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and Egypt, the stability of this waterway is not merely a matter of international concern but a direct national interest. These nations rely on the Red Sea for trade, energy imports, and economic connectivity.
Warning Against Regionalization
The Commission warned against the risk of a further regionalization of the ongoing confrontations in the Middle East, whose security, humanitarian, and economic consequences would directly affect the African continent.
This warning reflects growing fears that what began as a localized conflict could spiral into a broader regional confrontation, drawing in multiple actors and destabilizing an already fragile neighborhood.
Call for Immediate De-escalation
The Commission called for:
- The immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, civilian and economic infrastructure, and commercial shipping
- Respect for freedom of navigation in accordance with international law
- Urgent de-escalation to prevent further hostilities
The Commission reiterated the need to prioritize dialogue and political avenues in order to prevent a further expansion of hostilities and preserve peace, security, and stability throughout the Red Sea region.
A Continent Watching Closely
The African Union’s intervention highlights the continent’s deep stake in the stability of the Red Sea corridor. With global supply chains already strained by multiple crises, any prolonged disruption to this strategic route would have severe implications for African economies — from soaring import costs to delayed humanitarian aid.
The Commission’s statement serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging all parties to step back from the brink and pursue diplomatic solutions before the situation escalates beyond control.
As the world watches the Red Sea with growing anxiety, the African Union has made its position clear: peace, stability, and respect for international law must prevail.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh
Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson
African Union Commission
Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Advocacy for Oromia 