Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic relations following renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, citing national security concerns. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic ties, stating it had no choice but to take reciprocal action. The move followed renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, where Ethiopian federal forces are engaged in clashes with rebel fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies in Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. The escalation in hostilities has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly after Ethiopia accused Eritrea of supporting a new rebel alliance, an allegation Eritrea has denied.
A pro-government militia claimed to have seized the town of Milazat, located 20km south-east of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, though the BBC has not verified this claim. Explosions were reported overnight in Addis Ababa, near Ethiopia's military headquarters, further intensifying the situation. In addition to its actions against Eritrea, Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. Egypt responded by ordering an Ethiopian embassy official to depart within the same timeframe. The tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt have long been linked to disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a major hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile.
Why it matters
The severed ties complicate efforts to coordinate regional responses to the escalating violence.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether Ethiopia's government issues further statements on Eritrean diplomatic personnel.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.