Egypt and Ethiopia have engaged in a diplomatic spat, with both countries expelling a diplomat from the other's embassy. The move comes amid rising tensions between the two nations. On October 2, 2026, Ethiopia declared Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Mahram "persona non grata" and Egypt responded in kind, declaring an Ethiopian diplomat at the Ethiopian embassy in Cairo "persona non grata" and giving him 48 hours to leave the country.
According to Hussein Haridi, a former assistant foreign minister, declaring a diplomat "persona non grata" is a diplomatic tradition that reflects a significant deterioration in relations between two countries. He noted that countries usually take such action only when tensions between them escalate. Haridi added that the time frame for the diplomat to leave the country typically ranges from 24 hours to a week.
Haridi believes that Ethiopia's move is an attempt to divert attention from its internal problems. The country has been experiencing significant turmoil, and Haridi thinks that the Ethiopian government is trying to shift the focus away from its domestic issues by escalating tensions with Egypt. Egypt's response is seen as a reciprocal measure, in line with international diplomatic norms.
The current crisis in Ethiopia is attributed to the policies of the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Haridi noted that Ahmed's government often provokes Egypt to distract the Ethiopian public from domestic issues. Egypt, on the other hand, maintains its right to respond appropriately to Ethiopian actions, as seen in its decision to expel the Ethiopian diplomat.
The diplomatic row between Egypt and Ethiopia has been escalating over time. The two countries have had differences on various issues, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. Egypt has expressed concerns about the dam's impact on its water security, while Ethiopia sees it as a vital project for its economic development.
The African Union has been monitoring the situation and has called for calm. However, the current developments suggest that the tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia are unlikely to ease soon. The expulsion of diplomats is seen as a significant escalation, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
The Ethiopian government has not made an official statement on the expulsion of its diplomat from Egypt. However, it is clear that the diplomatic spat between the two countries is likely to have significant implications for their bilateral relations and the wider region. The international community is watching the developments closely, given the potential for further escalation.
Key points
- Egypt and Ethiopia have expelled each other's diplomats in a tit-for-tat move, reflecting rising tensions between the two countries.
- The diplomatic row is attributed to Ethiopia's attempt to divert attention from its internal problems and Egypt's response to protect its interests.
- The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, given the potential for further escalation and its implications for regional stability.
