Ethiopia closes embassy in Eritrea and expels diplomats

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia announced the closure of its Embassy in Asmara, Eritrea, in response to Eritrea’s direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ethiopian government declared ten Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa persona non grata for involvement in activities that pose a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security in breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. These diplomats are required to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours.

Ethiopia urged the Eritrean Government to cease all acts contrary to the principles governing relations between sovereign states.

The ministry stated that Ethiopia values its historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties with Eritrea and remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and integration in the Horn of Africa.

The African Union Commission released a statement concerning the situation calling on member states to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.

“The African Union Commission is closely following with concern the heightened tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt. The Commission calls on all three Member States to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and stability,” stated the AU.

“The Commission further underscores the importance of preserving channels of communication and urges the three countries to address their differences through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue, in accordance with the principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

“The AU Commission stands ready, in consultation with the countries concerned, to support efforts towards de-escalation, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences.”