Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties following the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of diplomats, BBC reported. The diplomatic break coincides with renewed fighting in Northern Ethiopia, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Ethiopia closes embassy in Asmara and expels diplomats
Ethiopia ordered the closure of its embassy in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, and gave 10 Eritrean diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. The Ethiopian government accused these officials of activities that threatened national security, according to BBC.
Eritrea responded by terminating all diplomatic relations. In a statement published on X, the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed Ethiopia’s actions left it no choice but to take reciprocal measures, asserting that Ethiopia is the party pursuing a “policy of constant hostility.” It was reported that Eritrea specifically cited “condemnable hostile actions” by Ethiopia.
Did you know? According to estimates from the US and EU, the previous war in Northern Ethiopia between 2020 and 2022 resulted in at least 600,000 deaths.
Federal forces push TPLF out of Afar state
Military operations resumed in Northern Ethiopia on September 23. The Ethiopian federal army has pushed Tigrayan rebel forces out of the neighboring Afar state, where they had penetrated deeply, as reported by a representative from a humanitarian organization via AFP. A representative from a humanitarian organization confirmed the withdrawal of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from Afar.
The federal army is currently advancing toward Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, from three different directions. AFP analysts state the army is now less than 100 kilometers from the city. The federal forces are fighting both the TPLF and “Fano” militias from the neighboring Amhara state.
Egypt and Ethiopia exchange persona non grata orders
Diplomatic tensions have extended to Egypt. Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat, granting a 48-hour window to depart, though the government did not publicly state the reason for the decision, BBC reported. Egypt responded by ordering a counselor from the Ethiopian embassy in Cairo to leave within the same timeframe.
The friction between Cairo and Addis Ababa centers on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Egypt relies heavily on the Nile for its water supply and has long expressed concern over how the hydroelectric project affects its water share, BBC reported.
Regional Context: The conflict in Northern Ethiopia is now overlapping with instability near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Renewed fighting between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen has ended a 2022 truce, adding to the volatility of key Red Sea trade routes.
African Union warns against regional destabilization
The African Union (AU) Commission has called for maximum restraint from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt. According to Reuters, the AU urged the three nations to resolve their disputes through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue to avoid further destabilizing the region.
The Ethiopia General Staff has accused both Egypt and Sudan of supporting rebels, while reports state that the TPLF and other armed groups have formed a new alliance aimed at overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Regional Diplomatic Status
| Country | Action Taken | Stated Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Eritrea | Severed all diplomatic ties | Response to embassy closure/hostility |
| Egypt | Expelled Ethiopian counselor | Reciprocal action (GERD tension) |
| Ethiopia | Closed embassy in Asmara | National security threats |
Common questions about the Horn of Africa conflict
Why did Ethiopia close its embassy in Eritrea?
Ethiopia accused Eritrean diplomats of engaging in activities that threatened national security, according to reports from BBC.
What is the current military situation in Tigray?
Federal forces have pushed TPLF fighters out of Afar state and are advancing toward Mekelle from three sides, according to AFP.
How is the Nile dam affecting Egypt’s relations with Ethiopia?
Egypt fears the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will reduce its critical water supply from the Blue Nile, leading to years of strained relations and the recent exchange of persona non grata orders, BBC reported.
It remains unclear if the African Union’s call for restraint will lead to a resumption of dialogue, and the Ethiopian government has not publicly detailed the specific security threats that led to the expulsion of Eritrean diplomats.
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