Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic relations as renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia fuels fears of a return to a wider regional conflict.
The diplomatic rupture followed Ethiopia’s decision to close its embassy in Asmara and expel 10 Eritrean diplomats, accusing Eritrea of hostile activities and involvement in the renewed conflict.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said the 10 diplomats had been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.
Eritrea responded by announcing that it had “no option but to reciprocate” and sever all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.
Asmara rejected Addis Ababa’s allegations and accused Ethiopia of pursuing a hostile agenda against Eritrea.
Fighting spreads across northern Ethiopia
The diplomatic crisis comes as fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and an alliance of armed opposition groups intensifies.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is part of the opposition alliance fighting government forces. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting the alliance, although the countries have denied the allegations.
Government-aligned forces have reported making gains in Tigray and Afar. Ethiopian forces also said they had recaptured towns including Erebti and Abaala, although some battlefield claims remain difficult to independently verify because of communication disruptions and restricted access.
The humanitarian situation is also worsening. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) has reported hundreds of wounded people receiving treatment in hospitals in Tigray, while thousands of residents have been displaced by the renewed fighting.
Explosions reported in Addis Ababa
The conflict has also raised concerns after explosions were heard in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that blasts were heard overnight. A source linked to the opposition alliance claimed that the group carried out drone strikes targeting military positions, including the military headquarters.
That claim could not be independently verified.
Ethiopian authorities subsequently restricted drone flights over Addis Ababa and surrounding areas.
The reported explosions have added to concerns that the conflict could extend beyond the northern battlefield.
A sharp reversal in relations
The breakdown marks a major reversal from the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki restored diplomatic relations after years of hostility following the 1998–2000 Ethiopia-Eritrea border war.
However, relations have deteriorated in recent years, including over Ethiopia’s interest in securing access to the Red Sea and disagreements connected to the aftermath of the 2020–2022 Tigray war.
The African Union has now urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and other countries involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue.
