Ethiopia closes Eritrea embassy, expels 10 diplomats

Ethiopia announced on October 1 that it would close its embassy in Asmara and expel 10 Eritrean diplomats, prompting Eritrea to declare that it would sever diplomatic relations. The reciprocal moves mark a sharp rupture as fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and armed opposition groups continues in northern Ethiopia. The countries’ accusations about support for armed groups remain disputed. Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry said the 10 diplomats, including Eritrean officials accredited to the African Union, had engaged in activities it considered a threat to national security. It ordered them to leave within 48 hours. The ministry cited what it described as hostile actions by Eritrea and called on its government to stop conduct Ethiopia said violated principles governing relations between states. Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry said it would cut ties in response. It rejected Ethiopia’s allegations and accused Addis Ababa of pursuing hostility toward Eritrea, including seeking access to the Red Sea. Eritrea also alleged that Ethiopia was hosting, training and arming Eritrean opposition groups to foment internal conflict.