{
  "id": 11371372,
  "title": "Egypt and Ethiopia expel diplomats in a tit-for-tat diplomatic row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/egypt-and-ethiopia-expel-diplomats-in-a-tit-for-tat-diplomatic-row",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T06:05:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/02/egypt-and-ethiopia-expel-diplomats-in-a-tit-for-tat-diplomatic-row/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThese 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.\n\nEgyptian 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.",
  "summary": "Egypt and Ethiopia are expelling diplomats in a tit-for-tat row that marks a new escalation in their already tense relations. Ethiopia initiated the row when its Foreign Ministry issued a brief statement late on Thursday, ordering a senior Egyptian diplomat, Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman, to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours. It gave no reason for its action. Egypt responded by expelling a senior…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Ethiopia: Embassy shut in Eritrea, 10 diplomats expelled",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/ethiopia-embassy-shut-in-eritrea-10-diplomats-expelled",
        "published": "2026-10-01T16:57:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Eritrea severs diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in tit-for-tat move",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/eritrea-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-ethiopia-in-tit-for-tat-move",
        "published": "2026-10-01T20:10:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}