Ethiopia has expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara, marking a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations. The move came as tensions escalated over alleged Eritrean support for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which has intensified fighting in northern Ethiopia. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic ties with Ethiopia and ordering the closure of its embassy in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia accused the Eritrean diplomats of engaging in activities that threaten national security, including supporting separatist groups. The expelled diplomats were given 48 hours to leave the country. The decision follows a series of reported drone strikes near Ethiopian border regions, which have raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Eritrea has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
The breakdown in relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea, former military allies, has deepened amid ongoing clashes in the Tigray region. Fighting in the north has displaced thousands and drawn international concern. The African Union has urged all three nations—Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt—to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue. The regional body has warned that further escalation could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
The dispute highlights the fragility of regional stability, with historical tensions and unresolved border issues contributing to the current crisis. Ethiopia’s actions reflect growing frustration over what it sees as Eritrean interference in its internal affairs. Eritrea, in turn, has accused Ethiopia of undermining its sovereignty. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.
