The Eritrean government said it has severed all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in a reciprocal measure following Ethiopia’s closure of its embassy in Asmara and its declaration of 10 Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa as persona non grata.
Earlier today, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure, citing what it described as Eritrea’s repeated direct attacks and aggressive actions against Ethiopia. The ministry also ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats based in Addis Ababa to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours, accusing them of engaging in activities that “pose a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security” and of violating the Vienna Conventions.
Yemane Gebremeskel, Eritrea’s Minister of Information, said on X that Ethiopia has been “pursuing an agenda of incessant hostilities” against Eritrea, describing the move as tantamount to “a declaration of war.”
“Throughout these trying times, Eritrea has displayed patience and restraint in the hope of averting a dangerous escalation,” he added.
Regarding Ethiopia’s measure, Yemane further noted that Eritrea was left with no option but “to reciprocate in kind and sever all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.”
The Ethiopian measure comes amid the recurrence of conflict in northern Ethiopia. It also comes at a time when Ethiopia has accused its neighbors, Sudan and Eritrea, of providing financial support to armed groups operating inside the country. However, both countries have repeatedly denied the allegations.
