Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties following renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia. The move comes as federal forces battle rebels from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and allies across Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. This dramatic reversal in relations marks a sharp departure from a period of diplomatic cooperation that began in 2018, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed restored ties after two decades of hostility. The current crisis is not only a reflection of deteriorating security conditions but also of deeper structural tensions over sovereignty, access to the sea, and regional power dynamics.
What Happened
Ethiopia announced that it was closing its embassy in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, citing national security threats. This action was followed by an immediate response from Eritrea, which declared the expulsion of its diplomats as ‘astounding’ and stated it had no choice but to sever all diplomatic relations in reciprocal action. The decision was framed by Eritrea’s foreign ministry as a necessary defense against what it described as an aggressive and destabilizing move by Ethiopia.
Explosions were reported overnight in Addis Ababa, including near Ethiopia’s military headquarters. While the Ethiopian government has not independently verified the presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray, a pro-government militia commander told the BBC that Eritrean soldiers had been involved on the front lines. The BBC has not independently verified this claim, and due to internet cuts and active conflict, it is currently unable to report from Tigray or conduct on-the-ground verification.
Earlier in the week, Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. According to state media, the reason for the expulsion was not publicly disclosed. Egypt responded by ordering an Ethiopian embassy official to depart within the same timeframe, reflecting a long-standing tension between the two nations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile River.
Key Facts from the Source
- More than 50 people have been killed since heavy fighting resumed in northern Ethiopia.
- Alamata, in Tigray, reported at least 52 civilian deaths during three days of intense fighting.
- Eritrea denied involvement in the Tigray conflict, saying Ethiopia was blaming neighbours to deflect attention from internal issues.
- Both Ethiopia and the TPLF accuse each other of starting the latest hostilities.
- The TPLF has formed an alliance with six other armed groups, including the Fano militia from Amhara, to oppose Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Background: Diplomatic Relations Since 2018
For over two decades, Ethiopia and Eritrea maintained a tense and adversarial relationship, rooted in historical disputes over borders, territorial claims, and political influence. The two nations were locked in a state of hostility following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, which left Ethiopia without a coastline. This loss of access to the sea has been a persistent point of contention, with Ethiopia arguing that maritime access is essential for its economic development, trade, and national security.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018 marked a significant shift in foreign policy. His administration pursued a strategy of diplomatic rapprochement with Eritrea, culminating in the reopening of the border in 2018. This move was celebrated widely, with families reunited and communities reconnected after years of separation. The restoration of diplomatic ties earned Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, highlighting the global significance of the relationship.
Despite this progress, underlying tensions have persisted. Ethiopia has consistently advocated for direct access to the Red Sea, including the use of Eritrean ports or the development of new maritime infrastructure. Eritrea, in turn, has accused the Ethiopian government of harboring ambitions to expand its influence into Eritrean territory, particularly in the port of Massawa and surrounding regions. These concerns have been exacerbated by the Tigray conflict, where both nations have been accused of supporting opposing sides.
Why It Matters
The diplomatic rupture between Ethiopia and Eritrea is not merely a bilateral issue—it signals a deepening crisis in a region already strained by conflict. The resurgence of violence in northern Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray and Afar, has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict. The involvement of multiple armed groups, including the TPLF and the Fano militia, suggests a complex web of alliances and grievances.
The African Union has repeatedly urged all parties to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels and to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. The UN has also issued strong warnings, noting that drone activity, air strikes, and ground offensives are endangering civilians, critical infrastructure, and humanitarian operations. Insecurity and road closures have severely restricted access to affected areas, making it difficult for aid workers to deliver essential services.
Humanitarian access remains one of the most pressing concerns. The UN has repeatedly stressed the need for safe and unhindered movement for people in need, including displaced families, medical patients, and vulnerable populations. Without reliable access, the health and safety of thousands of civilians are at risk. The situation in Afar, a region vital for Ethiopia’s transport corridor to Djibouti and the sea, has seen tens of thousands flee their homes, further straining regional stability.
Open Questions and Limitations
Despite the official claims, several critical questions remain unverified or unresolved. The BBC has not independently confirmed reports that Eritrean soldiers were present on the front lines in Tigray. The lack of reliable information stems from the internet blackout in the region and the active nature of the conflict, which makes real-time reporting and verification extremely difficult.
It is unclear who initiated the latest offensive. The TPLF claims that federal forces launched attacks after taking control of federally administered airports in Tigray. In contrast, Addis Ababa asserts that the TPLF launched attacks first, citing a pattern of preemptive strikes. Without independent verification, the origin of the conflict remains ambiguous, and the responsibility for escalating violence is still contested.
While Ethiopia and Eritrea have a history of cooperation, the current crisis reflects a shift in regional dynamics. The role of external actors—such as Egypt and other regional powers—remains unconfirmed, and the potential for wider conflict, especially involving neighboring countries, is still speculative. However, the current trajectory suggests that without immediate diplomatic intervention, the situation could spiral into a broader regional instability.
What to Watch Next
Humanitarian access in northern Ethiopia will remain a key concern. The UN and African Union will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, especially as aid operations face increasing obstacles. Any developments in the Tigray conflict, particularly advances toward Mekelle, will be closely watched. The involvement of regional allies and the response of neighboring states will shape the trajectory of the crisis.
Reports on the status of diplomatic channels and the possibility of renewed negotiations may emerge in the coming days. The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, will likely play a critical role in mediating a peaceful resolution. For more on the diplomatic fallout, see the BBC’s coverage on Ethiopia and Eritrea’s diplomatic fallout.
For background on the Tigray conflict and its aftermath, see the BBC’s earlier reporting on the conflict and its aftermath.
For updates on humanitarian efforts in the region, refer to the UN’s statements on humanitarian access and security.
As the situation evolves, the international community will need to balance the need for security with the imperative to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access. The path forward will require transparency, accountability, and a commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue and cooperation.
