Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties, escalating tensions between the two nations. The decision comes after renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, which has resulted in over 50 deaths. Ethiopia announced the closure of its embassy in Eritrean capital Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours, citing national security concerns. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic relations, citing no choice but to take reciprocal action.
The diplomatic confrontation follows a sharp deterioration in relations between the neighbors. Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting a new rebel alliance, an allegation Eritrea has repeatedly denied. Eritrea described the decision to expel its ambassador as "astounding" and warned of "negative corollaries" from the decision. The move marks a dramatic reversal from 2018, when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy restored relations with Eritrea after two decades of hostility.
The conflict has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict. Ethiopian federal forces are battling fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies across parts of northern regions. The TPLF joined six other armed movements to form an alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government from power. A pro-government militia commander alleged Eritrean soldiers were involved on the front lines, although this has not been independently verified.
The diplomatic fallout has also affected relations between Ethiopia and Egypt. Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat, giving him 48 hours to leave, with Egypt responding by ordering an Ethiopian embassy official to leave within the same period. Relations between Ethiopia and Egypt have been strained for years, largely over Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile.
The GERD has long been a point of contention between Ethiopia and Egypt, with Egypt expressing concern about the dam's potential impact on its share of the Nile's water. The cutting of ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea has raised concerns about the stability of the region. An African Union mediator estimated that around 600,000 people died during the devastating Tigray war that ended in 2022.
The latest hostilities are the most serious since the peace agreement ended the Tigray war. The conflict has made it difficult for journalists to report from the region, with the internet cut and limited access to reliable information. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and humanitarian consequences.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. The African Union and other international organizations have called for restraint and a return to dialogue. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing fighting and diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt.
Key points
- Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties amid escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia.
- The conflict has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, with concerns about humanitarian consequences.
- The situation remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt.
