Media reports say Ethiopia has ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours and closed Sudan’s consulate in the border town of Asosa, deepening tensions between the two nations amid accusations of supporting rebel groups.
Reports of the order came on Tuesday after Sudan lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union, accusing Ethiopia of allowing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to use its territory for drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. Ethiopia, in turn, accuses Sudan of backing rebels in its northern Tigray region. Both sides deny the allegations.
“The Sudanese government remains committed to its right to defend its territory. Nevertheless, it is making every possible effort to avoid an open war with Ethiopia,” said Amjad Farid, political and foreign affairs adviser for Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council. The expulsions were reported by Reuters and the Associated Press, citing anonymous officials.
The latest diplomatic rift adds to existing tensions between the two countries. Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and closed its embassy in Eritrea on October 1, and an Egyptian diplomat last month. Relations with Egypt have been strained over Ethiopia’s dam on the Blue Nile. Sudan’s civil war, which began in 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 14 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The diplomatic crisis could lead to direct military conflict, straining Sudan’s already exhausted army.
- It worsens the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where power and water supplies have been disrupted.
- Regional stability in the Horn of Africa is at risk, with potential involvement from Eritrea and Egypt.
Background
Tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia have escalated in recent months. Sudan accuses Ethiopia of supporting the RSF in its civil war, while Ethiopia claims Sudan backs Tigrayan rebels. Both deny the allegations. The civil war in Sudan since 2023 has caused severe humanitarian suffering. Ethiopia has also recently expelled diplomats from Eritrea and Egypt.
Key Perspectives
Sudan: Accuses Ethiopia of supporting the RSF, which has launched drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. Sudan’s government says it is committed to avoiding war but must defend its territory.
Ethiopia: Denies supporting the RSF and accuses Sudan of backing Tigrayan rebels. The diplomatic expulsions were ordered in response.
What to Watch
- Whether either side takes further military action, especially along the border.
- The response from the United Nations and African Union to Sudan’s complaint.
- Potential for a broader regional conflict involving Eritrea and Egypt.