The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, that it has expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats accused of being a "direct threat to national security." According to a ministry statement, the diplomats were declared persona non grata due to their alleged involvement in activities that pose a direct threat to Ethiopia's security. This move comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The Ethiopian government also decided to close its embassy in Asmara, Eritrea's capital, citing "acts of hostility and belligerence" by Eritrea against Ethiopia. This decision was made in response to what Ethiopia perceives as Eritrea's continued interference in its internal affairs. The closure of the embassy is seen as a significant escalation in the diplomatic row between the two countries.
The expulsion of Eritrean diplomats and the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara come on the heels of accusations by the Ethiopian military that Eritrea, along with neighboring Sudan and Egypt, is supporting armed groups fighting against Ethiopian forces in the northern region of Tigray. The Ethiopian government has long accused Eritrea of backing the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been engaged in a conflict with the federal government.
In a related development, explosions of unknown origin were reported at the headquarters of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) in the capital city of Addis Ababa on the night of October 1. According to sources, the explosions occurred around midnight, and their cause is currently unknown. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the country.
In response to the security concerns, the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has banned all drone flights over and around Addis Ababa until further notice. This move is seen as a precautionary measure to prevent potential security threats. The ban on drone flights is the latest in a series of measures aimed at enhancing security in the capital.
The conflict in northern Ethiopia has been ongoing, with fighting resuming on September 23, 2026, between the federal government and the TPLF. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with thousands of civilians displaced and reports of human rights abuses. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The Ethiopian government's decision to expel Eritrean diplomats and close its embassy in Asmara is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Key points
- Ethiopia expels 10 Eritrean diplomats citing national security threat
- Ethiopian government closes embassy in Asmara, Eritrea
- Conflict in northern Ethiopia continues, with humanitarian concerns mounting
