Both Rubio's call and AFRICOM commander's visit to Addis had to do with ENDF role in Somalia - quick and major attack on Al-Shabab. US wants Ethiopia to play decisive role in the war against Al-Shabab. But the problem is US wants G/n Tsadikan to command this anti-Al Shabab war?
Will Abiy agree? Yes, under one condition.
US must support Ethiopian quest for Sea access and Abiy will make Tsadikan the commander of the Ethiopian anti- Shabab forces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYrIx9uXoxM&t=21s