The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on October 1, 2026, that it has formally closed its embassy in Asmara, Eritrea. This move comes alongside the declaration of ten Eritrean diplomats as persona non grata, ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. The decision is attributed to Eritrea's ongoing acts of hostility and belligerence that threaten Ethiopian sovereignty.
The ten diplomats in Addis Ababa were accused of engaging in activities that violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and posed a direct threat to national security. However, specific details regarding their actions were not disclosed. This escalation is linked to renewed armed clashes in northern Ethiopia involving federal troops and regional forces, straining the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
The crisis marks a significant reversal of the 2018 diplomatic breakthrough between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. This rapprochement initially earned Abiy the Nobel Peace Prize and led to the restoration of diplomatic missions after decades of hostility. The two nations previously fought a border war from 1998 to 2000 and were on opposing sides during the 2020–2022 Tigray conflict.
Despite the severe measures taken, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the country values its historical, cultural, and people-to-people bonds with the Eritrean population. The ministry stated that Ethiopia remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and working with all countries in the Horn of Africa to advance lasting peace, security, and regional integration.
The decision to close the embassy and expel diplomats was made in response to Eritrea's actions inconsistent with international norms governing sovereign states. The ministry urged Asmara to cease all such actions. This development has led to Eritrea severely cutting all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.
The diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have completely broken following the embassy closure and expulsion of staff. This move is expected to have significant implications for the region, particularly in terms of peace and security.
The Ethiopian government has expressed concern over the impact of external opposition on its development projects. A newly established national committee has been set up to address these issues, citing collected evidence that over 22 development projects have been blocked.
Key points
- Ethiopia closes its embassy in Eritrea and expels 10 diplomats amid escalating tensions.
- The move cites Eritrea's ongoing hostility and threats to Ethiopian national security.
- The crisis marks a reversal of the 2018 diplomatic breakthrough between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
