Egyptian–Ethiopian relations have entered a new phase of tension after Cairo and Addis Ababa mutually declared diplomats from both countries persona non grata. The developments began when the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that an Egyptian diplomat was declared persona non grata and given 48 hours to depart the country. The decision was made pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
In response, Cairo took a reciprocal measure, declaring a counselor at the Ethiopian Embassy in Egypt persona non grata and granting him 48 hours to leave the country. An official Egyptian source described the Ethiopian move as “unfortunate” and “unjustified.” The source stated that Cairo has consistently emphasized its strict refusal to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations or comment on events occurring in other countries.
The Egyptian source directed sharp criticism toward the Ethiopian government, arguing that it is attempting to blame external parties for its domestic crises. The Ethiopian side regularly attributes its failure in managing successive internal files and crises to alleged interference by external actors, in an effort to cover up its recurring domestic troubles.
The exchange of diplomatic sanctions between Cairo and Addis Ababa coincided with another regional escalation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. On the same day, Addis Ababa announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats, accusing them of engaging in activities that posed a “direct threat to national security.”
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry further accused Eritrea of committing “direct and indirect hostile and escalatory acts.” In response, Asmara announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Addis Ababa, reflecting a broadening scope of tension between the two neighboring nations.
The developments reflect a significant escalation in tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, as well as between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Horn of Africa region has been experiencing a crisis, with various nations experiencing heightened levels of tension and conflict.
The situation remains fluid, with the 48-hour deadline for the diplomats to leave their respective territories having passed. It is unclear what the long-term implications of these developments will be, or how the situation will evolve in the coming days and weeks.
Key points
- Egypt and Ethiopia have mutually declared diplomats persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave their respective territories.
- The developments coincide with another regional escalation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Addis Ababa announcing the closure of its embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats.
- The situation reflects a significant escalation in tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, as well as between Ethiopia and Eritrea, amid a broader Horn of Africa crisis.
