Ethiopia and Sudan have ordered the closure of each other’s border-area consulates and the departure of diplomatic staff, according to reports confirmed to international news agencies by government officials.
The measures, reported on Wednesday, 4 November, mark a further deterioration in relations between the neighbouring countries as each accuses the other of supporting armed opponents.
Reciprocal diplomatic measures
Reuters reported that Ethiopia closed Sudan’s consulate in Assosa and gave six diplomats 48 hours to leave, citing a senior Ethiopian official. Sudan then ordered Ethiopia’s consulate in Gedaref closed and expelled its staff, two Sudanese officials told the agency.
AFP separately reported the reciprocal expulsions, citing two Sudanese government officials. Its report, carried by Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, said the Ethiopian consular staff were also given 48 hours to depart.
Competing accusations
Sudan’s army-aligned authorities accuse Ethiopia of allowing the Rapid Support Forces to use Ethiopian territory for drone attacks against Sudanese cities and civilian infrastructure. They say complaints have been submitted to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union.
Ethiopia denies supporting the RSF. It has accused Sudan of backing rebels in its northern Tigray region, an allegation Sudan also rejects.
BaretaNews has not independently verified the accusations concerning support for armed groups or the origin of drone attacks.
Concern over wider conflict
The diplomatic dispute adds to regional tensions surrounding Sudan’s war, which began in April 2023. Sudanese presidential adviser Amjad Farid told Reuters that his government was seeking to avoid open war with Ethiopia while maintaining its right to defend its territory.
Sources: Reuters report, republished by Internazionale; AFP report, republished by Uganda Broadcasting Corporation.
