The Ethiopian government has accused Eritrea of "acts of hostility and belligerence" and has taken several diplomatic measures in response. On Thursday, Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and declared ten Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country. This move comes as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate amidst the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The Eritrean government has responded to Ethiopia's actions by breaking off diplomatic relations with its neighbor. The Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Ethiopia's actions were a "declaration of war" and that Eritrea had no choice but to retaliate. The two countries had restored diplomatic relations in 2018, after a period of 18 years of strained relations following a large-scale war between 1998 and 2000.
The conflict in northern Ethiopia has been ongoing for several months, with the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accusing Eritrea of supporting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a rebel group that controls the northern region of Tigray. Eritrea has denied these allegations and accused Ethiopia of seeking to gain control of its port city of Assab, on the Red Sea.
The situation in Ethiopia remains volatile, with reports of explosions and drone attacks in recent days. On Wednesday, the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) banned all drone flights over and around the capital city of Addis Ababa. Earlier this week, drones were reported to have targeted several military bases and an airport in the country.
On the ground, Ethiopian federal forces have made significant gains in recent days, capturing several key towns in the southern part of Tigray. The forces, who entered the region on Monday, have taken control of Maychew, a locality about 100 km south of the regional capital, Mekele. The advances have been confirmed by a Tigrayan milicia allied to the federal government.
The conflict in Ethiopia has significant implications for the region, with concerns about the humanitarian situation and the potential for wider instability. The international community has called for restraint and a negotiated solution to the crisis. The situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing fighting and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The recent developments have also sparked concerns about the potential for wider regional instability. The conflict in Ethiopia has already had significant impacts on neighboring countries, including Eritrea, which has been accused of supporting the TPLF. The situation remains volatile, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- Ethiopia closes embassy in Eritrea and expels diplomats amid escalating tensions
- Eritrea breaks off diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in response
- Conflict in northern Ethiopia continues to escalate, with reports of fighting and drone attacks
