Ethiopia: Ethiopia Decides to Close Embassy in Asmara, Declares 10 Eritrean Diplomats Persona Non Grata

What the report says

Ethiopia has moved to close its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa to leave the country within 48 hours, according to the Ethiopian News Agency report distributed by AllAfrica. The announcement was made by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and framed as a response to what it described as Eritrean acts of hostility and belligerence.

The ministry said the diplomats were declared persona non grata because of activities it said threatened Ethiopia’s national security and violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The report does not provide details on the specific conduct cited, but it presents the step as a significant diplomatic downgrade between the two neighbors.

The decision is notable because Ethiopia and Eritrea have had a long and complicated relationship marked by periods of conflict and rapprochement. In its statement, Ethiopia said it still values historical, cultural and people-to-people ties with Eritrea and remains committed to peaceful coexistence and regional stability.

The ministry also said Ethiopia wants disputes resolved peacefully and urged cooperation among Horn of Africa states to support broader regional security and integration. The move may raise tensions in a strategically sensitive part of the region, though the report does not include a response from Eritrea.