Sudan, Ethiopia shut each other’s consulates in tit-for-tat move: Reports

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1. 1h ago

   Sudan and Ethiopia Close Consulates in Tit-for-Tat Diplomatic Expulsions

   Sudan and Ethiopia have shuttered each other's diplomatic missions and expelled consular staff in an escalating regional dispute. Ethiopia ordered six Sudanese consular employees to leave the western city of Assosa and closed the consulate, prompting a retaliatory move from Khartoum. The breakdown in relations follows fresh accusations that external actors are supporting drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and electric stations in Sudan, bringing the Sudanese power grid near collapse. The European Peace Foundation has urged both governments to de-escalate tensions and enter peace talks, while China has entered the Horn of Africa discussions.

   Why it matters

   The diplomatic rupture highlights growing instability in the Horn of Africa as cross-border tensions intensify over infrastructure attacks. Sudan has accused Ethiopia of hosting drone bases used by the Rapid Support Forces to strike electric stations, straining a power grid already facing severe strain. The European Peace Foundation and international actors are monitoring the situation closely as regional friction deepens.

   What is confirmed

   • Ethiopia expelled six staff members of Sudan's consulate in Assosa and ordered the mission closed.
   • Khartoum responded with mutual diplomatic expulsions and shut down Ethiopian consular operations.
   • Sudan accused Ethiopia of involvement regarding drone attacks targeting electric stations and civilian infrastructure.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Drone bases located inside Ethiopia are being directly utilized by the Rapid Support Forces to launch strikes against Sudan's power grid.

   What to watch next

   • Further diplomatic measures or retaliatory expulsions between Khartoum and Addis Ababa
   • Formal responses from regional bodies or the United Nations regarding the drone attack allegations
   • Developments concerning the repair of Sudan's power grid and fuel security measures
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
   2. AP News — Sudan’s power grid nears collapse as drone strikes blamed on RSF target electric stations
   3. Al Jazeera — Deadly RSF drone attacks reveal deep divisions between Sudan and Ethiopia
   4. Sudan Tribune — Sudan races to secure fuel, repair power grid after attacks
   5. Reuters — Ethiopia expels Sudanese diplomats after fresh allegations of support for RSF
   6. AP News — Ethiopia expels 6 Sudanese consular staff and orders consulate closed, officials say
   7. Anadolu Ajansı — Ethiopia orders 6 Sudanese diplomatic officials to leave, closes consulate: Reports
   8. ACLED — Why is the RSF targeting civilian infrastructure from drone bases in Ethiopia?
   9. Al Jazeera — Ethiopia expels 6 Sudan diplomats, orders closure of consulate, reports say
   10. Sudan Tribune — Sudan, Ethiopia escalate diplomatic row amid mutual expulsions
   11. The EastAfrican — China enters Horn tensions as Sudan accuses Ethiopia at UN over drone attacks
   12. Addis Standard — Daily_Brief: #European Peace Foundation urges #Ethiopia, #Sudan to de-escalate tensions, calls for peace talks
   confidence 95%