Sudan, Ethiopia escalate diplomatic row amid mutual expulsions
November 4, 2026 (KHARTOUM/ADDIS ABABA) – Relations between Sudan and Ethiopia have entered a phase of mutual diplomatic escalation, reflecting significant tension and intensifying reciprocal accusations.
Khartoum heightened tensions with Addis Ababa by filing a complaint with the UN Security Council last Friday, followed by another to the African Union Peace and Security Council.
The complaints stem from Sudan’s accusations that Ethiopia is providing logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and hosting launchpads for drones targeting electricity and fuel facilities in several Sudanese states.
According to press reports, Ethiopia asked six Sudanese diplomats to leave the consulate in the town of Asosa, giving them 48 hours to depart.
It was also reported that Ethiopia withdrew three diplomats from its consulate in the eastern Sudanese city of El Gedaref on Wednesday.
Other reports suggested the Sudanese government ordered the Ethiopian diplomats in El Gedaref to leave in retaliation for expelling its representatives from Asosa.
The foreign ministries of both countries have not issued official statements regarding the mutual expulsion decisions.
Diplomatic sources in Khartoum told the Sudan Tribune they do not rule out the Foreign Ministry recalling its ambassador to Addis Ababa, El-Zein Ibrahim, for consultations.
Such a move would repeat a similar action taken last May.
Sources in Addis Ababa also suggested expelling the Sudanese ambassador, declaring him persona non grata, and closing the embassy doors.
Ethiopia has not had diplomatic representation at the ambassadorial level in Sudan since the war broke out.
Ethiopian sources said the continuous accusations by the Sudanese army, alongside Egypt’s role in forming a new regional axis including Eritrea, are viewed in Addis Ababa as an attempt to encircle Ethiopia.
Ethiopia accuses Sudan and its allies of providing safe havens and logistical support to fighters from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Fano armed groups, particularly across the Sudanese border.
Conversely, Khartoum accuses Ethiopian authorities of facilitating RSF movements and supplying them with provisions through the Benishangul-Gumuz region and adjacent border areas.
Sudan also accuses Ethiopia of allowing the use of drones launched or operated from Ethiopian territory.
Private sources told the Sudan Tribune that the United Kingdom and the United States are engaged in mediation efforts to bridge the gap and ease tensions between Khartoum and Addis Ababa.