Ethiopia accused Eritrea of preparing for war and collaborating with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). In a letter to the UN, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos alleged that Eritrea and the TPLF were funding and mobilizing armed groups in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Eritrea rejected the claims as “provocative saber-rattling,” while the TPLF called them “unfounded.” The accusations come amid renewed tension over Ethiopia’s bid for Red Sea access.

Ethiopia’s UN Ambassador in Geneva, Tsegab Kebebew, will serve as First Vice Chairperson of the UNHCR Executive Committee Bureau after his election at the 76th session. The African Group nominated him, and Norway seconded the nomination. Ethiopia plays a leading role in refugee protection and humanitarian work. The country hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations and promotes inclusion, durable solutions, and active participation in multilateral initiatives supporting refugees and humanitarian aid.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa on October 12 to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation. The talks emphasized peace, development, and counterterrorism in the Horn of Africa, and reaffirmed both nations’ sovereignty and shared interests. The meeting follows Mohamud’s visit to Jubaland and comes amid tensions over federal-regional relations in Somalia. Ethiopia continues to support diplomatic dialogue and regional stability initiatives.

The Ministry of Water and Energy reaffirmed the country’s right to use Nile waters fairly and equitably, rejecting Egypt’s “hostile rhetoric” over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The ministry accused Egypt of clinging to colonial-era claims that deny upstream nations equal rights. It emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful engagement under international law and stated that no pressure would deter it from utilizing the Nile to meet national development needs.

Ethiopia and Belgium held their first political consultation in Addis Ababa to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment, and education. State Minister Hadera Abera and Belgian Secretary-General Theodora Gentzis discussed expanding cooperation as the nations approach 120 years of diplomatic relations. Both emphasized partnerships in green energy and logistics, while Ethiopia urged balanced EU trade policies to protect coffee exports under the Deforestation Regulation.

Ethiopia marked its 18th National Flag Day at the House of People’s Representatives. President Taye Atske Selassie emphasized national unity, sovereignty, and collective identity under the theme “Our Flag, a Harbinger of a Great Era of Ascension for Ethiopia.” Highlighting achievements like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Green Legacy, and industrial projects, he called on citizens to protect the flag, support national development, maintain peace, and reaffirm Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation.