# Ethiopia Expels Sudanese Diplomats Amid Escalating Regional Tensions Diplomatic ties fracture as both nations trade accusations of supporting opposing rebel factions. - **Source:** [The New Arab](https://www.newarab.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3354ad12-15b4-4c4f-8f5f-d803e552f549 ## Sudanese Diplomats Expelled Ethiopian authorities ordered six Sudanese diplomats stationed in the border town of Assosa to leave the country within 48 hours. A senior official confirmed the expulsion on Wednesday, though the government provided no specific justification for the sudden move. This action marks a significant decline in bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations. ## Mutual Allegations of Interference The diplomatic rift stems from accusations that both countries are fueling each other's internal conflicts. Sudan claims Ethiopia supports the Rapid Support Forces, while Ethiopia alleges Sudan backs rebels in the Tigray region. Both governments officially deny these claims, yet the cycle of accusations continues to destabilize the volatile Horn of Africa region. ## Sudan Files Formal Complaints On Sunday, the Sudanese government escalated the situation by lodging formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council and the African Union. Sudan specifically accused Ethiopia of allowing the Rapid Support Forces to utilize its territory for launching suicide drone attacks against civilian infrastructure. Ethiopia has not yet responded to these specific allegations. ## Humanitarian Crisis Context The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has displaced over 14 million people according to United Nations figures. This conflict is currently categorized as one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The potential for these two separate wars to merge poses a grave threat to regional stability and security. ## Ethiopia's Internal Security Concerns Ethiopia has previously accused Sudan, Egypt, and Eritrea of providing support to Tigrayan rebels who launched an offensive against government forces in September. All three nations have consistently denied these accusations. These claims reflect the deep-seated mistrust currently defining the diplomatic landscape between Addis Ababa and its neighbors regarding domestic insurgent movements. ## Diplomatic Stance of Sudan Amjad Farid, an adviser for Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, stated that the government remains committed to defending its territory. However, he emphasized that Sudan is making every possible effort to avoid an open war with Ethiopia. This statement highlights the precarious balance between national defense and the desire to prevent further regional escalation. ## Regional Stability Risks The Horn of Africa faces a heightened risk of a broader conflict as diplomatic channels between Ethiopia and Sudan deteriorate. The expulsion of consulate staff removes a critical layer of communication during a period of intense military friction. Observers are closely watching for further retaliatory measures that could impact cross-border trade and security. ## Future Diplomatic Outlook The failure of both nations to substantiate their claims while simultaneously escalating diplomatic sanctions suggests a prolonged period of tension. Without international mediation from bodies like the African Union, the risk of miscalculation remains high. The immediate focus remains on whether these expulsions will lead to further border closures or military posturing. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.newarab.com/news/ethiopia-expels-sudan-diplomats-after-allegations-rsf-support — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._