Ethiopia has expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Asmara, marking a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations. The move followed accusations that Eritrean diplomats engaged in activities threatening Ethiopian national security. Ethiopia ordered the diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, escalating tensions between the two neighboring states.
The decision comes amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, where clashes have intensified. Ethiopian officials accused Eritrea of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which has launched attacks into the Afar and Amhara regions. This has raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, following the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara.
The African Union has called for restraint and dialogue, urging the three countries—Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt—to avoid actions that could worsen tensions. The AU emphasized the need for peaceful resolution through established diplomatic channels. The situation reflects a deepening crisis in the Horn of Africa, with regional stability at risk. The diplomatic fallout underscores the complexity of the conflict, which has drawn international attention and concern.
