Ethiopia announced on Thursday that it has closed its embassy in Eritrea and has also designated ten Eritrean diplomats as "unacceptable." These diplomats have been accused of involvement in activities that pose a threat to Ethiopia's national security.
Historical Context
Ethiopia's embassy in Eritrea was reopened in 2018 as part of a rapprochement between the two countries that led to Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry stated that this action was taken due to "direct and indirect actions by Eritrea" in creating hostility against Ethiopia.
Expulsion of Diplomats and Explosions
Ethiopia also announced that Eritrean diplomats have 48 hours to leave the country. This decision was made following an explosion at the headquarters of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces in Addis Ababa. Diplomatic and security sources reported that the explosion occurred between midnight and 1:00 AM local time, but no further information about the nature of the explosion or who was responsible is available.
Some security sources have also mentioned the occurrence of three explosions that happened after the ban on the use of drones in the capital. It is still unclear whether these explosions were related to an attack or part of military exercises.
Ongoing Tensions and Their Consequences
Eritrea has denied allegations of supporting an armed coalition that includes the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the Amhara Fano National Movement, and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). This coalition, known as the "Survival Coalition," is currently engaged in conflict with Ethiopian government forces. Since the resumption of intense fighting in northern Ethiopia last week, hundreds have been killed and injured.
Fighting continues on several fronts, and the United Nations has called for a de-escalation of tensions and negotiations between the government and the new coalition.
