The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its decision to close its embassy in Asmara, 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.”
In its statement, the ministry urged the Eritrean government to respect the principles governing relations between sovereign states. It also stated that the Ethiopian government remains committed to resolving conflicts peacefully and to ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
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.
