November 4, 2026 | World Media Feed Editorial Team
ADDIS ABABA / KHARTOUM — Diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan escalated on Wednesday after Ethiopia expelled six Sudanese consular officials and ordered the closure of Sudan’s consulate in the western Ethiopian city of Assosa, according to officials from both countries.
The officials were reportedly given 48 hours to leave Ethiopia. A Sudanese official confirmed that the staff had departed on Tuesday evening.
The development comes amid increasingly serious accusations between the neighboring countries over alleged support for armed groups involved in their respective conflicts.
Sudan reportedly responds with reciprocal measure
In a further sign of deteriorating relations, reports on Wednesday said Sudan had ordered the closure of Ethiopia’s consulate in the eastern Sudanese city of Gedaref and instructed its diplomatic staff to leave within 48 hours.
The reported decision was described as a reciprocal response to Ethiopia’s closure of the Sudanese consulate in Assosa. The development was reported by Anadolu Agency, citing local media and a Sudanese government source. Independent confirmation was not immediately available.
If implemented, the move would represent a further breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Competing accusations raise regional concerns
The diplomatic escalation follows Sudanese allegations that Ethiopia has allowed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is fighting Sudan’s military, to use Ethiopian territory to launch drone attacks against infrastructure inside Sudan.
Sudan has also accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying drones allegedly used in the attacks. Both Ethiopia and the UAE have denied arming the RSF.
Ethiopia, in turn, has accused Sudan, Egypt and Eritrea of supporting Tigrayan rebels operating against Ethiopian government forces. Those countries have rejected the allegations.
Neither side’s accusations should be treated as independently established facts.
Reuters reported that Sudan had submitted complaints to the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council over its allegations against Ethiopia.
A conflict with consequences beyond Sudan
Sudan’s war began in April 2023 and has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. More than 14 million people have been displaced, according to figures cited by Reuters.
The conflict has also increasingly threatened essential infrastructure. Recent drone strikes on electricity facilities in northern Sudan have disrupted power supplies, with wider consequences for water services and medical facilities.
The possibility of tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan escalating into a direct confrontation raises concerns about the wider Horn of Africa, a region already affected by armed conflicts, displacement and strained relations among neighboring governments.
What happens next?
Ethiopia has not publicly provided a specific explanation for the expulsion of the Sudanese consular staff. Sudan’s reported reciprocal measure could further reduce diplomatic channels at a time when communication between the two governments is particularly important.
For now, it remains unclear whether the latest actions will lead to additional diplomatic restrictions or further escalation along the countries’ shared border.
World Media Feed will continue monitoring developments and update this report as further information is independently confirmed.
Sources to consult and cite in the published article
- Reuters — Ethiopia expels Sudanese diplomats after fresh allegations — the expulsions, competing accusations and regional risks.
- Associated Press — Ethiopia expels six Sudanese consular staff — confirmation of the consulate closure and departure of staff.
- Anadolu Agency — Sudan reportedly orders Ethiopian consulate closure — the reported reciprocal action.
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