Eritrea has severed all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa ordered the closure of its embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, according to a statement from Eritrea’s foreign ministry. The move came hours after Ethiopia accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been engaged in renewed clashes with federal forces since last week. Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel told Reuters that the decision to cut ties was a “reciprocal” response to Ethiopia’s actions, which he described as “hostile” and “belligerent.”
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry stated in a Thursday statement that the embassy closure was a reaction to Eritrea’s “direct and indirect acts of hostility.” The ministry also ordered the 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, though it did not name them. Eritrea’s embassy in Addis Ababa was effectively shut down as a result, with the foreign ministry warning of “negative corollaries” from the severance of relations. The African Union Commission urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint” and avoid actions that could destabilize the region, emphasizing the need for “peaceful dialogue.”
The crisis intensified after blasts were heard in Addis Ababa, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. A source linked to the TPLF-affiliated opposition alliance claimed the group conducted drone strikes in the capital, including attacks on military headquarters. If confirmed, this would mark the first known drone strikes by anti-government forces on the Ethiopian capital, located hundreds of kilometers from the front lines in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. Ethiopian authorities have not commented on the claims, and Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Three diplomatic sources confirmed the explosions, though witnesses reported no visible damage near the military base.
Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat within 48 hours, prompting Egypt to reciprocate by declaring an Ethiopian embassy counsellor persona non grata. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nader Zaki defended the move, stating, “Reciprocity is the currency of diplomacy.” A senior Egyptian source described Ethiopia’s action as “unfortunate” and “unjustified,” emphasizing Cairo’s stance against interference in other nations’ affairs. The African Union reiterated its call for dialogue, warning that escalating tensions risked undermining regional peace and stability.
The diplomatic rupture follows years of strained relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two nations fought together during the 2020-2022 civil war, but Eritrea was excluded from the 2022 peace deal, leading to a rapid deterioration in ties. Ethiopia’s embassy in Eritrea reopened in 2018 as part of a rapprochement that earned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize. However, disputes over Red Sea access—particularly Ethiopia’s reliance on Eritrea’s Assab port—have continued to fuel mistrust. Eritrea has repeatedly warned against Ethiopian efforts to “take” the port by force, according to regional analysts.
Recent clashes have seen federal forces and allied militias make gains in Tigray and Afar, while the opposition alliance has captured towns in Afar. A pro-government militia reported recapturing the town of Erbeti, which TPLF forces had seized earlier. Meanwhile, fighting in Afar has displaced tens of thousands, according to local aid workers. The Ethiopian intelligence service has also banned drone flights over Addis Ababa, citing concerns over the opposition’s potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Analysts note that the TPLF’s alleged ability to strike the capital could shift the conflict’s dynamics, challenging government narratives of the war’s limited impact on the capital.
The situation underscores the fragile state of regional security in the Horn of Africa. With the African Union urging restraint and diplomatic channels remaining open, the risk of further escalation remains high. As both nations navigate the fallout of severed ties, the focus will likely shift to whether dialogue can prevent a broader conflict that could destabilize the entire region.
The latest developments come amid growing concerns over the humanitarian toll of the renewed fighting. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced, and aid organizations warn of worsening conditions in conflict-affected areas. The Ethiopian government has not provided official updates on casualties or infrastructure damage, while Eritrea has not commented on the expulsions or the diplomatic break. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for transparency and accountability from both sides.
The crisis highlights the complex interplay of historical grievances, territorial disputes, and regional power dynamics. As Ethiopia and Eritrea move toward a new phase of hostility, the role of the African Union and other regional actors will be critical in preventing further bloodshed. For now, the focus remains on whether diplomatic efforts can avert a full-scale conflict that could have far-reaching consequences for the Horn of Africa.
The recent escalation underscores the volatility of the region, where past conflicts have left deep scars. With both nations now cutting ties and exchanging hostile measures, the path to reconciliation appears increasingly uncertain. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether the crisis can be contained or if it will spiral into a broader regional conflict with devastating implications for civilians and regional stability.
The events of the past week have reignited fears of a protracted conflict in the Horn of Africa, with significant implications for regional security and international diplomacy. As Ethiopia and Eritrea navigate this crisis, the need for transparent communication and adherence to international norms has never been more urgent.