Ethiopia, Eritrea break ties: Does the conflict risk becoming regional war?
Eritrea has severed diplomatic ties with Ethiopia following the closure of its embassy in Addis Ababa and the expulsion of diplomats. The move escalates a long-standing territorial and political conflict, raising concerns about regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
Why it matters
The breakdown in relations between these two nations threatens to destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region, potentially exacerbating existing conflicts in neighboring Sudan.
Analysts warn unrest is likely to spill into neighbouring states and could further destabilise war-torn Sudan.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A view of Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. An explosion was reported at the Defence Ministry in the city early on Thursday [Brian Inganga/AP Photo] By Stephen Quillen Published On 2 Oct 2026 2 Oct 2026 Eritrea has cut off diplomatic relations with neighbouring Ethiopia, escalating a long-simmering conflict between the two states rooted in territorial disputes and mutual accusations of interference.
The move comes as fighting flares in northern Ethiopia between Ethiopian federal troops and an opposition alliance that Addis Ababa accuses Eritrea of backing.
The clashes are the most severe in Ethiopia since its 2020-2022 civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people.
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