Ethiopia closes Eritrea embassy, expels 10 diplomats amid rising tensions
Ethiopia has ordered the closure of its embassy in Asmara and expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats from Addis Ababa, in a major diplomatic move that further strains relations between the two neighbouring Horn of Africa countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, citing what it […]
Ethiopia has closed its embassy in Eritrea's capital Asmara and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats from Addis Ababa, escalating tensions between the two neighboring Horn of Africa nations. The decision, announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stems from Eritrea's "direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence" against Ethiopia.
The ten diplomats have been declared persona non grata and must leave Ethiopia within 48 hours. The ministry defines persona non grata as a status where a host country withdraws its acceptance of a foreign diplomat, thereby necessitating their departure from the country. Specific activities of the ten diplomats that led to this expulsion were not detailed by the ministry.
The closure of the Asmara embassy will dissolve Ethiopia's formal diplomatic mission in Eritrea, while the expulsion reduces Eritrea's diplomatic presence in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia expressed a desire for Eritrea to adhere to principles of diplomatic relations and stressed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and integration.
Despite the expulsion, Ethiopia underscored its ongoing commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and fostering cooperation within the Horn of Africa.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Explosions heard in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa amid renewed fighting in Tigray peopledaily.digital
- Explosions rock Ethiopia’s capital after drone flights banned gbcghanaonline.com
- Ethiopia closes embassy in Eritrea, expels 10 diplomats amid rising tensions english.ajel.sa
- Ethiopia army HQ rocked by explosion as Tigray fighting intensifies iol.co.za
- Ethiopia to close embassy in Eritrea, accusing it of 'acts of hostility and belligerence' amid war jpost.com
