Sudan and Ethiopia expel diplomats and close consulates as tensions rise

Sudan accused Ethiopia of allowing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to launch drones from Ethiopian territory, France 24 reported. France 24 spoke to an Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project researcher regarding what the allegation reveals about the military capabilities and foreign backing of the Rapid Support Forces. [1]

Following the allegations, Ethiopia expelled six Sudanese diplomats and ordered the closure of Sudan's consulate in the region, Arab News, Internazionale, and Al Jazeera reported. Al Jazeera, citing reports from Reuters and Agence France-Presse, said Sudan responded by closing Ethiopia's consulate near their shared border and expelling Ethiopian diplomats hours after the initial move by Addis Ababa. SABC News also reported that both countries closed each other's consulates. [2][3][4][5]

Ethiopian and Sudanese officials confirmed the diplomatic actions on condition of anonymity, according to Al Jazeera. The reciprocal decisions follow official complaints submitted by Sudan accusing Addis Ababa of aiding the paramilitary group. Tensions between the two neighbouring African nations have continued to escalate following the actions. [2]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces previously launched drone attacks on five power stations in army-controlled eastern Sudan. The conflict in the country has been ongoing since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. [7][9]