Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic relations after a new armed confrontation erupted between Addis Ababa and the northern Tigray region. Ethiopian authorities accuse Eritrea of supporting rebels and even deploying troops into their territory, reigniting tensions from a previous fierce conflict that brought the two nations to the brink of war.
The crisis stems from a resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia between the central government and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray (PFOT), a movement advocating autonomy for the northern Tigray region near Eritrea. From 2020 to 2022, the parties engaged in a full-fledged civil war, during which the PFOT attempted to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Ethiopian forces, backed by Eritrea, won and established partial control over Tigray. The conflict ended with the Pretoria Agreement.
However, the fulfillment of the Pretoria Agreement did not satisfy the PFOT. It failed to resolve the humanitarian crisis caused by a government blockade and did not determine the status of disputed territories claimed by the PFOT. In summer, the PFOT declared the agreement “virtually dead,” followed by clashes in August involving airstrikes and drone attacks.
On September 23, forces from the newly formed Coalition of the Ethiopian People’s Forces for Survival (KNSEV) launched an offensive from Tigray, capturing three key airports and causing Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights to northern Ethiopia. The rebels advanced into Afar and Amhara regions, seizing settlements outside Tigray. During the fighting, 20 Israeli tourists were blocked at the frontline town of Lalibela and evacuated by helicopter.
Ethiopian forces stabilized frontlines and recaptured some towns. The government announced plans to bolster its military by withdrawing 3,000 troops from Somalia, where they combat Islamist terrorist groups. On the night of October 1, KNSEV launched drone strikes on Addis Ababa, reportedly targeting government headquarters.
Ethiopia accused Eritrea of participating in the conflict on behalf of the CEMAC. The governor of Afar region, Awol Arba, stated that Eritrean troops had entered his territory to cut off the road from Ethiopia to Djibouti. In response, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten diplomats, designating them “persona non grata.” Eritrea announced complete severance of diplomatic relations.
The deterioration threatens a return to one of Africa’s longest and bloodiest conflicts. Historically, Ethiopia gained control of Eritrea in 1950 after it was transferred from Italy during World War II. This led to decades of tension as Eritrea sought independence, culminating in a 30-year war (1961–1991) that ended with Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
Ethiopia, the world’s most populous landlocked nation, seeks Red Sea access through negotiations involving Eritrea’s port of Aseb. However, Eritrea refuses to discuss sovereignty over the port, supported by Egypt and Sudan, which avoid becoming new competitors in the Red Sea. The escalation marks a dangerous step in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia has been accused of supporting rebel movements while Eritrea claims responsibility for cross-border incursions.
