Sudan and Ethiopia Order Diplomatic Expulsions Amid Rising Tensions

Relations between Sudan and Ethiopia have deteriorated further following a decision by Addis Ababa to order six Sudanese diplomats to depart the country within a 48-hour window. Alongside the diplomatic expulsions, Ethiopian authorities closed the Sudanese consulate located in the border town of Asosa, according to announcements from officials representing both governments on Tuesday. This escalation follows formal complaints lodged by Sudan with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, in which Khartoum accused its neighbor of allowing paramilitary forces to stage drone strikes against civilian infrastructure.

Amjad Farid, who serves as the political and foreign affairs adviser for Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, noted that while Khartoum maintains its right to defend sovereign territory, officials are actively trying to avoid an open military conflict with Addis Ababa. A direct war would place an immense burden on the Sudanese military apparatus, which remains heavily engaged in intense battles against the Rapid Support Forces in the southeastern portion of the country. Khartoum has repeatedly stated that Ethiopia is aiding the paramilitary group, an allegation that Addis Ababa strongly denies.

Sudan Ethiopia Border Tensions Escalate

On the other side, Addis Ababa has countered with accusations that the Sudanese military is providing backing to rebels linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Furthermore, Ethiopian authorities have claimed that Egypt and Eritrea are also supporting Tigrayan forces that initiated an offensive against government positions in September, though all accused nations have rejected these claims.

These recent measures involving Sudanese personnel arrive shortly after Ethiopia took action against other regional neighbors. On October first, Addis Ababa expelled ten Eritrean diplomats and shut down its embassy in Eritrea, prompting Asmara to sever diplomatic ties completely. Additionally, an Egyptian diplomat was expelled last month, compounding ongoing strategic disputes surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Diplomatic ties deteriorate as Sudan and Ethiopia exchange expulsions and accusations of backing rival rebel groups.

Why it matters

This diplomatic rupture deepens instability in the Horn of Africa, raising the risk of broader regional conflict that could further strain exhausted military forces and worsen civilian infrastructure vulnerabilities. The breakdown in communication between neighboring states also complicates regional security efforts and peace negotiations.