Sourced fact
The News
Eritrea has severed its diplomatic relations with Ethiopia in response to the expulsion of Eritrean diplomats from Addis Ababa. In a statement on X, the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that "there is no other option but to respond in kind and cut all diplomatic relations with Ethiopia." Ethiopia has stated that it will close its embassy in Asmara in retaliation for what it considers Eritrean "hostile acts." Eritrea has countered by accusing Ethiopia of pursuing a continuous hostile policy and training and arming opposition groups in Eritrea to destabilize the region.
The tensions have escalated since Ethiopia expelled an Egyptian diplomat, followed by Egypt's response of expelling an Ethiopian diplomat. Clashes between government forces and rebel groups in Ethiopia's north have led to explosions in the city and battles in the Afar region. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar and others have expressed concern over the intensifying conflict and called for all parties to return to peace negotiations. This conflict threatens the country and the entire region, particularly after the war in northern Ethiopia and the conflict in Sudan.
Eritrean soldiers have reportedly crossed the border to join the opposition coalition's offensive. This tension represents the largest escalation since the end of Ethiopia's civil war in 2022, where Eritrea did not participate in the Pretoria Agreement that ended the fighting.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, the roots of tension between Eritrea and Ethiopia trace back to the independence era in the 1990s. In 1962, Ethiopia annexed Eritrea, leading to a war of independence that lasted until 1993. Following independence, both nations maintained tense relations, with increasing tensions over border control and resources.
In a broader context, these tensions contribute to the stability of the entire region. Ethiopia faces growing internal challenges from opposition groups, increasing pressure on the government to find peaceful solutions. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia also impact regional relations, especially with Sudan and Egypt, which play a pivotal role in the area.
Moreover, these tensions are seen as a challenge to regional peace. In 2022, Ethiopia and Eritrea signed the Pretoria Peace Agreement, but it did not lead to sustained improvement in relations. The recent events highlight the urgent need to restore trust and cooperation between the two nations to ensure regional stability.
