Ethiopia and Eritrea Sever Diplomatic Ties Amid Renewed Clashes

In a swift escalation, Ethiopia announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats, accusing them of activities threatening national security. Eritrea mirrored the move, stating it had no choice but to cut ties in response.

The diplomatic break follows renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front clash in a conflict that has left an estimated 600,000 dead since the 2022 peace agreement.

Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing the Tigrayan alliance, a claim that Asmara has denied. The two former allies fought side by side against the TPLF during the 2020‑2022 war, but strained relations have resurfaced over issues such as Ethiopia’s push for direct access to the Red Sea.

Key incidents include powerful explosions in Addis Ababa’s intelligence headquarters and reports of drone attacks on the capital, which the Ethiopian security service has responded to by banning drone flights over the city.

Meanwhile, fighting continues across northern Ethiopia with federal forces making advances in Tigray, Afar and Amhara. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands and disrupted humanitarian operations.

International bodies have called for restraint. The African Union urges the parties to resolve disputes diplomatically, while the United Nations warns that the conflict jeopardises civilian protection and aid delivery.

With both sides citing historical grievances and strategic ambitions, the situation remains volatile and could have wider regional implications.