Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic ties as northern conflict escalates

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1. 47m ago

   Ethiopia and Eritrea Sever Diplomatic Ties Amid Northern Conflict

   Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic relations following an escalation of fighting in northern Ethiopia. Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats, alleging they posed a national security threat. Eritrea responded by cutting ties in a tit-for-tat move. The diplomatic break coincides with drone strikes in the Ethiopian capital and intense battles across Tigray, Afar, and Amhara. While the Ethiopian government has retaken the regional capital of Mekelle after Tigray People's Liberation Front fighters withdrew, analysts warn the unrest could destabilize Sudan and neighboring states.

   Why it matters

   The rupture stems from accusations that Eritrea supports armed groups fighting the Ethiopian government and disputes over Ethiopia's pursuit of Red Sea access. Regional instability is further compounded by Egypt expelling an Ethiopian diplomat over the Blue Nile dam. The African Union has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to avoid actions that undermine stability.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country.
   • Eritrea severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in a tit-for-tat response.
   • Government-allied forces have taken control of Mekelle after Tigray People's Liberation Front fighters withdrew.
   • Drone strikes hit the Ethiopian capital following a government ban on drone flights.
   • Fighting is occurring across the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Eritrea is supporting armed groups fighting the Ethiopian government.
   • The conflict risks becoming a regional war that could further destabilize Sudan.
   • Egypt expelled an Ethiopian diplomat due to a rift over the Blue Nile dam.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the origin of the drone strikes in Addis Ababa
   • Further diplomatic movements between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the Blue Nile dam
   • Official statements from the UN or AU on civilian risks in the northern regions
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. AP News — Blasts reported in Ethiopian capital hours after government banned drone flights
   2. WSJ — Drones Strike Ethiopia’s Capital as Country Severs Ties with Eritrea
   3. Al Jazeera — Eritrea severs diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in tit-for-tat move
   4. dw.com — Ethiopia and Eritrea sever ties amid Tigray fighting
   5. BBC — Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic ties as Tigray conflict escalates
   6. Bloomberg.com — Eritrea Cuts Ties With Ethiopia as Horn of Africa Tensions Flare
   7. Reuters — African Union urges Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from actions that could undermine stability
   8. www.bbc.co.uk — Ethiopia and Eritrea cut diplomatic ties as northern conflict escalates - BBC
   9. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia, Eritrea break ties: Does the conflict risk becoming regional war?
   10. www.aljazeera.com — Ethiopia, Eritrea break ties: Does the conflict risk becoming regional war?
   11. rfi.fr — Ethiopia's new rebel war redraws alliances across the Horn of Africa
   12. africanews.com — Egypt expels Ethiopian diplomat in growing rife over Blue Nile dam
   confidence 90%