Eritrea severs diplomatic ties with Ethiopia in row over Tigray

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Published: 2026-10-02T07:00:37.629Z • Permanent link

Eritrea's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Ethiopia is a dramatic escalation of a long-standing dispute over the Tigray region. The move comes after weeks of escalating tensions between the two countries, with Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki issuing a statement accusing Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of "betraying the trust" of the people of Tigray. This follows a series of violent clashes between Eritrean and Ethiopian forces, as well as reports of human rights abuses by both sides.

Ethiopian forces have been fighting to oust the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a rebel group that has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes. Eritrea has been accused of providing military support to the TPLF, and has denied these allegations. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of humanitarian aid to the region, but efforts to broker a peace agreement have so far been unsuccessful.

The United States has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Tigray, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging both sides to engage in "good faith" negotiations. The European Union has also called for a ceasefire, and has offered to support the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission to the region.

Eritrea's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Ethiopia has significant implications for the global economy and security landscape. The two countries are major producers of agricultural products, including coffee and cotton, and any disruption to trade between them could have far-reaching consequences for global markets. The Tigray region is also home to a number of major gold and copper mines, which could be impacted by the conflict.

The conflict in Tigray also has significant implications for the humanitarian community, with reports of widespread human rights abuses and a growing refugee crisis. The United Nations has warned that the situation in Tigray is "on the brink of a humanitarian disaster", and has called for increased funding and support to address the needs of affected communities. The decision by Eritrea to sever diplomatic ties with Ethiopia could further exacerbate the crisis, and has significant implications for the global response to the conflict.

The conflict in Tigray is part of a larger pattern of instability in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other countries are vying for influence and resources. The region has a long history of conflict, dating back to the 19th century, and has seen numerous wars and crises over the years. The current conflict is also part of a broader trend of instability in Africa, where many countries are facing significant challenges to their stability and security.