Ethiopia has ordered the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats within 48 hours and closed its embassy in Asmara, Eritrea's capital. The move was announced by Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday, citing the diplomats' involvement in activities posing a direct threat to Ethiopia's national security. The decision was made amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region.
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry stated that the diplomats' activities were inconsistent with international diplomatic norms and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The ministry also called on Eritrea to halt actions that violate principles governing relations between sovereign states. Eritrea has rejected accusations of involvement in Ethiopia's internal conflict, which has intensified in recent weeks.
The conflict in northern Ethiopia involves Ethiopian government forces and allied groups clashing with Tigrayan forces and other armed groups. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting an opposition alliance, allegations the three countries have denied. Renewed fighting has raised concerns that the conflict could widen beyond Ethiopia's northern regions and further strain relations with Eritrea.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when the two countries restored diplomatic ties. The two countries fought a border war from 1998 to 2000. Tensions have been high, with disputes over security, territory, and Ethiopia's ambitions for access to the Red Sea.
The British government currently advises against travel to areas near the Ethiopia-Eritrea border due to high tensions and the risk of rapid change in the situation. Despite the diplomatic measures, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry stated that it continues to recognise historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry also stated that Addis Ababa remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and greater integration in the Horn of Africa. The ministry said Ethiopia wants disputes to be resolved through peaceful means and will continue working with regional countries to promote lasting peace, security, and regional cooperation.
The closure of the embassy and expulsion of Eritrean diplomats represent a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations at a time when fighting along and near Ethiopia's northern borders has intensified. Ethiopia has previously called on Eritrea to withdraw forces from Ethiopian territory, while maintaining that it is open to negotiations on broader issues between the two countries.
Key points
- Ethiopia has ordered the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats within 48 hours.
- The decision was made amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region.
- The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has deteriorated significantly since 2018.
