Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties, escalating tensions between the two nations. Ethiopia announced it was closing its embassy in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, and ordering 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours, citing national security concerns. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic relations, saying Ethiopia's decision left it with no choice but to take reciprocal action.
The diplomatic confrontation follows renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, which has raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Powerful explosions were heard overnight in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, including near the military headquarters. The fighting involves Ethiopian federal forces battling the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies across parts of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara.
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of supporting an alliance of armed groups fighting the government, an allegation Eritrea denies. The two countries were allies during the 2020-2022 Tigray war but relations have deteriorated since then, particularly over Ethiopia's push for direct access to the Red Sea. Eritrea accuses Ethiopia of pursuing a hostile policy over the Red Sea.
Landlocked Ethiopia lost its coastline when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed argues that access to the sea is essential for Ethiopia's long-term economic and security interests. Eritrea has accused his government of harbouring ambitions over its ports.
The diplomatic fallout comes as the TPLF joins six other armed movements to form an alliance aiming to remove Abiy's government from power. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of helping the alliance. A pro-government militia commander fighting in Tigray told the BBC that Eritrean soldiers had been involved in the conflict.
An African Union mediator estimated that around 600,000 people died during the 2020-2022 Tigray war. The latest hostilities are the most serious since a peace agreement ended the devastating conflict in 2022. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians.
The Eritrean foreign ministry described Ethiopia's decision as "astounding" and warned of "negative corollaries" from the severed diplomatic ties. The situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains tense, with both countries taking firm stances on their respective positions.
Key points
- Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties amid escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia.
- The conflict involves Ethiopian federal forces battling the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies.
- The situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians.
