In brief
Ethiopia shut its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten diplomats, prompting Eritrea to cancel all ties in reciprocal action. The break follows explosive drone attacks in Addis Ababa and fresh clashes with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Accusations of Eritrean support for insurgents have been denied, while the two countries, once allies in the 2020‑22 Tigray war, now struggle over Ethiopia’s Red Sea ambitions. The African Union and the UN urge restraint to prevent further regional destabilisation.
Ethiopia shuts embassy, expels diplomats
Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered ten Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours, accusing them of activities that threatened national security.
Eritrea cuts ties in response
Eritrea swiftly cancelled all diplomatic relations, describing the Ethiopian decision as “astounding” and replying that it had no choice but to act in kind.
Renewed fighting in Tigray and beyond
The diplomatic spat followed explosive drone strikes heard in Addis Ababa and ongoing clashes between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and its allies in Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
Allegations of Eritrean involvement
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of supporting the TPLF‑led alliance of armed groups, a claim Eritrea denies. A pro‑government militia commander told the BBC that Eritrean soldiers have fought on the front lines, an allegation the BBC has not independently verified.
Historical context and regional stakes
While the two countries were allies in the 2020‑22 Tigray war, relations have deteriorated over Ethiopia’s push for direct access to the Red Sea. Eritrea remains wary of Ethiopian ambitions near its ports.
International callers for restraint
The African Union and the United Nations have cautioned against actions that could destabilise the region, urging all parties to keep humanitarian access open and avoid further escalation.
