Ethiopia Closes Embassy in Eritrea, Expels Egyptian Diplomat Amid Regional Tensions

Ethiopia has taken simultaneous diplomatic action against Eritrea and Egypt, closing its embassy in Asmara and expelling 10 Eritrean diplomats while declaring an Egyptian diplomatic staff member persona non grata, as tensions in the Horn of Africa intensify.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that it had decided to close its embassy in Eritrea in response to what it described as Eritrea’s “direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence” towards Ethiopia. Ten Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa were also declared persona non grata and given 48 hours to leave the country.

The escalation comes as fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia, raising concerns that the conflict could again draw in neighbouring states. Ethiopia has accused Eritrea and other regional countries of supporting armed groups opposed to the federal government, allegations that Eritrea has rejected.

On the same day, Ethiopia separately declared Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman, a member of Egypt’s diplomatic staff, persona non grata and ordered him to leave within 48 hours.

The move adds another layer to already strained relations between Addis Ababa and Cairo. The two countries have longstanding disagreements over the Nile and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

The diplomatic measures have prompted concern from the African Union. The AU Commission said it was closely following the heightened tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt and urged all three countries to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further undermine regional stability.

The continental body also called for the preservation of communication channels and urged the three governments to address their differences through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.

Source: FSX Business News