Ethiopia has closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered the expulsion of 10 Eritrean diplomats. The move comes as tensions between the two neighboring countries escalate. Ethiopia accused the diplomats of engaging in activities that threaten national security.
The decision was announced by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The closure of the embassy follows Ethiopia’s severance of diplomatic ties with Eritrea. Eritrea responded by cutting ties with Ethiopia after the closure.
The diplomatic rift follows renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, which has raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which has launched attacks into the Afar and Amhara regions. The situation has intensified as both nations accuse each other of undermining regional stability.
The two countries were former military allies, but their relationship has deteriorated in recent months. The current crisis is linked to ongoing conflict in the Tigray region, where fighting has displaced thousands and drawn international concern. Ethiopia’s actions mark a significant escalation in the diplomatic standoff with Eritrea.
