Egypt and Ethiopia expel diplomats in a tit-for-tat diplomatic row

Egypt and Ethiopia have initiated a diplomatic row, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats as tensions between the two nations escalate. Late on Thursday, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry ordered the immediate departure of a senior Egyptian diplomat, Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman, from Ethiopia. Within 48 hours, Egypt reciprocated by expelling a senior member of Ethiopia's mission in Cairo, also giving him two days to leave.

The Egyptian counterpart only identified the expelled diplomat as the embassy's counsellor, refusing to provide any reason for the action.

These expulsions were preceded by the closure of Ethiopia's embassy in Eritrea, a close ally of Egypt, and the designation of ten Eritrean diplomats as persona non grata. This action prompted Eritrea to sever diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after hearing blasts in Addis Ababa, raising concerns of renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia spreading.

Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been battling Ethiopian government troops since last week. However, the three countries denied these allegations.

Egyptian state media, citing an unnamed source, described Ethiopia's expulsion as "unfortunate" and unjustified. Egypt consistently denied interfering in the internal affairs of other nations, particularly in response to Addis Ababa's claim that Egypt was aiding Ethiopian rebels. The ongoing dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia dates back a decade, primarily over the Nile's water. Cairo contends that the massive dam constructed by Addis Ababa may significantly diminish Egypt's vital share of the river's water.