Understand
Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic ties amid escalating northern conflict
Overview
Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic relations following a sharp escalation in fighting in northern Ethiopia. Ethiopia ordered the closure of its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats, accusing them of national security threats. Eritrea responded by cutting all diplomatic ties. The diplomatic breakdown coincides with renewed military clashes between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies, alongside explosions reported in Addis Ababa.
Key points
- Ethiopia ordered ten Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours and closed its embassy in Asmara.
- Eritrea reciprocated by severing all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.
- The diplomatic fallout follows renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia involving federal forces and the TPLF alliance.
- Explosions were recently reported near military and intelligence headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
- Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting an anti-government alliance of armed groups, an allegation Asmara denies.
- The UN and the African Union have warned that the escalating crisis is endangering civilians and disrupting humanitarian operations.