ETHIOPIA SHUTS SUDAN CONSULATE IN NEW DIPLOMATIC ROW

Ethiopia and Sudan have entered a fresh diplomatic dispute following Ethiopia’s decision to shut down Sudan’s consulate in the western border town of Assosa and expel six Sudanese diplomatic officials within 48 hours. The development has further strained relations between the neighbouring countries, already facing growing security concerns and mutual accusations of interference in each other’s internal conflicts.
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‎The decision, reported on November 4, 2026, comes after Sudan accused Ethiopia of allowing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to use its territory as a launching ground for drone attacks against critical infrastructure in Sudan.
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‎According to reports, Sudanese authorities had submitted complaints to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, alleging that drones launched from Ethiopian territory were responsible for attacks on civilian areas and essential facilities, including electricity infrastructure.
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‎Ethiopia has rejected accusations of supporting the RSF, describing similar claims as baseless. Addis Ababa has also accused Sudan of supporting armed groups involved in its internal security challenges, particularly rebels operating in the northern Tigray region.
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‎The diplomatic disagreement quickly developed into a reciprocal confrontation. In response to Ethiopia’s action, Sudan ordered the closure of Ethiopia’s consulate in the eastern city of Gedaref and instructed Ethiopian diplomatic personnel to leave within 48 hours.
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‎The tit-for-tat measures have raised concerns about the future of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the possibility of increased instability across the Horn of Africa.
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‎Both countries share a long and complicated history of border disagreements, particularly over the disputed Al-Fashaga region, where tensions between their security forces have previously resulted in clashes.
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‎The situation is particularly concerning because Sudan remains trapped in a devastating civil war between its national army and the RSF, which began in April 2023. The conflict has displaced millions of people, destroyed essential infrastructure and created a serious humanitarian emergency.
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‎Analysts warn that escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan could complicate efforts to resolve existing conflicts and threaten regional stability.
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‎Despite the growing hostility, Sudan has indicated that it remains committed to defending its sovereignty while avoiding an open military confrontation with Ethiopia.
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‎The international community will be watching closely to see whether diplomatic engagement can prevent further deterioration in relations.
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‎For now, the closure of the two consulates represents another significant setback for cooperation between the neighbouring countries at a time when regional stability is urgently needed.