Ethiopia and Eritrea Cut Diplomatic Ties as Northern Conflict Escalates

Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties as conflict escalates in Ethiopia's northern region, where Ethiopian forces are battling rebel fighters. The severing of relations, reported by BBC News, marks a dramatic deterioration in ties between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.

The move reverses the historic 2018 peace agreement that ended a two-decade-long border war and earned Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, relations have soured, particularly after the outbreak of the Tigray conflict in 2020, which Eritrea became involved in. The current escalation in the north has further strained ties, with both sides accusing each other of supporting hostile forces.

The diplomatic rupture threatens to destabilize the already volatile region, drawing international concern. The African Union and United Nations have called for restraint and dialogue. Analysts warn that the severing of ties could complicate humanitarian access and peace efforts. The international community is urging both nations to return to negotiations to prevent a wider war.