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Sudan, Ethiopia order tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions
Ethiopia ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave within 48 hours and closed Sudan’s consulate in Asosa, according to reports. The move adds to rising tensions between the neighbours, whose competing accusations have raised fears that Sudan’s civil war and Ethiopia’s internal conflicts could spill across their border.
Sudan accuses Ethiopia of allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to launch drone attacks from its territory; Ethiopia denies supporting the group and accuses Sudan of backing rebels in Tigray. Sudan has taken its complaint to the UN Security Council and the African Union, while saying it wants to avoid open war. Sudan’s conflict, which began in 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 14 million people.
In short
- Ethiopia expelled six Sudanese diplomats and closed the consulate in Asosa.
- Sudan accuses Ethiopia of enabling RSF drone attacks; Ethiopia denies supporting the group.
- The expulsions heighten fears of regional escalation amid Sudan’s devastating civil war.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ethiopia can argue that it has a duty to protect its sovereignty and security amid allegations that Sudan is supporting rebels in Tigray. Expelling diplomats and closing a consulate may be presented as a measured response to those concerns, short of military action, while firmly rejecting Sudan’s accusations about RSF drone attacks.
The case against
Sudan can argue that Ethiopia’s actions risk escalating an already dangerous dispute and weakening channels for resolving serious allegations. If Sudan’s claims about RSF attacks from Ethiopian territory are credible, it has reason to seek international scrutiny and press for assurances, while insisting that it wants to avoid open war.