Escalation in Africa: Eritrea severs ties with Ethiopia, this is the travel warning

Eritrea announced the severance of all diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, in response to the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats. Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting rebels from Tigray. Last night, explosions were heard in the Ethiopian capital, likely from drone strikes. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for areas in northern Ethiopia.

Eritrea announced this evening (Thursday) the severance of all diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, in response to the closure of the Ethiopian embassy in Asmara and the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats declared 'persona non grata'. Addis Ababa accused Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt of supporting an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been fighting government forces since last week. The three countries deny the accusation. Last night, explosions were heard in Addis Ababa, likely from a drone strike, raising fears of escalation and the spread of the conflict. A source linked to the rebels said they also attacked the army headquarters with drones. The Israeli Foreign Ministry recommended that Israelis not travel to the Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Danakil Desert regions, amid the escalation in the north of the country. The clashes are the most significant escalation since the end of the civil war in 2020–2022, in which hundreds of thousands were killed. Eritrea fought alongside Ethiopia in that conflict. Relations between the countries were renewed in 2018 after a break during a military conflict between 1998 and 2000. During the week, government forces captured a strategic city in Tigray, while the rebels reported capturing the town of Arbeti in Afar.