Ethiopia and Eritrea reportedly sever diplomatic ties amid renewed northern fighting

Pinned summary · as of 07:02

The Vaultz News reported that Ethiopia and Eritrea have broken off diplomatic relations as fresh fighting in northern Ethiopia pushes the long-time rivals into their sharpest standoff in years. According to the report, Addis Ababa closed its embassy in Asmara and sent home 10 Eritrean diplomats, and Eritrea answered by cutting its own links.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  The Vaultz News reported that Addis Ababa justified the expulsions by saying the diplomats engaged in conduct that directly endangered national security.
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  According to The Vaultz News, the Eritrean government said it had no choice but to retaliate and sever ties with Addis Ababa, and its foreign ministry called Ethiopia's decision to shut the embassy astounding.
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  The Vaultz News reported that federal troops and allied forces are in combat across areas of Tigray, Afar and Amhara against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and further armed groups. The paper called it the gravest escalation since the Tigray war of 2020-2022, and said government-aligned fighters have reportedly advanced in the south of Tigray, Alamata town among the places named, while the fighting has reached Afar.
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  The Vaultz News said Ethiopia accused Eritrea of backing an alliance of armed movements that wants to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, and that Eritrea denied involvement in the latest fighting. It added that Sudan and Egypt were also accused by Ethiopia of backing that opposition grouping, and that the accusations were rejected.
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  According to The Vaultz News, the TPLF has lately teamed up with six more armed movements, Amhara's Fano militia among them, in a coalition that says it aims to oust the federal government.
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  The Vaultz News reported that a pro-government militia commander alleged Eritrean soldiers had taken part in fighting in Tigray, a claim it said had not been independently verified.
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  The Vaultz News reported that Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel, speaking in an interview before relations were cut, accused Ethiopia's government of pinning its internal troubles on neighbouring states.
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  According to The Vaultz News, the African Union voiced concern and urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to show maximum restraint, keep communication channels open and settle their differences peacefully.
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  The Vaultz News reported that the United Nations described northern Ethiopia's situation as rapidly worsening, pointing to heavier fighting, the capture of airports and the spread of hostilities to nearby areas. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint, safety for civilians and secure access for aid, and cautioned against steps that could widen the conflict.
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  The Vaultz News said the two countries restored ties in 2018 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed before relations soured, particularly over Ethiopia's push for direct access to the Red Sea. It added that fighting near Lalibela earlier led to flights to the town being suspended, and that people living in affected areas laid in food and cash because they fear a return to all-out war.

Why it matters for Ghana

The African Union's appeal for restraint and the United Nations' warning about a wider conflict make this a development that people across the continent, including Ghanaians following African affairs, will be watching. Civilians in the affected areas of northern Ethiopia are the ones facing disruption to flights, food and cash, according to the report.