Diplomatic rift deepens as Sudan recalls ambassador from Ethiopia

Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the neighbouring countries amid a growing exchange of accusations over security and territorial violations, reports Africa News with AFP and AP on May 6th.

Sudan’s foreign minister, Mohieddin Salem, said the envoy had been withdrawn for consultations, describing the move as a standard diplomatic response. However, he warned that Sudan would respond to any aggression, signalling increasing strain in relations.

The dispute centres on mutual claims that each country is backing armed groups hostile to the other. Sudan has accused Ethiopia of allowing drone attacks to be launched from its territory, alleging involvement by the United Arab Emirates. According to Sudanese army officials, the attacks were coordinated in collaboration with the Gulf state.

Ethiopia has strongly rejected the accusations, with its foreign ministry labelling them “baseless.” The UAE, which has been widely viewed as a supporter of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has also denied any role in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia has levelled its own allegations against Sudan, accusing the Sudanese army of supporting fighters linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). In a statement, Ethiopia’s foreign ministry claimed Sudan was acting as a base for “anti-Ethiopian forces” and facilitating cross-border incursions.

The TPLF, whose forces fought a civil war against Ethiopia’s federal government between 2020 and 2022, denied any connection to Sudan. Senior official Amanuel Assefa dismissed the accusations, suggesting Ethiopia was deflecting blame for internal challenges.

The rising tensions come against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which erupted in 2023 between the army and the RSF, as well as Ethiopia’s fragile post-conflict environment following the Tigray war.

Together, these overlapping conflicts have contributed to an increasingly volatile regional landscape, with diplomatic relations between Sudan and Ethiopia now under significant strain.

Africa News with AFP and AP, Maghrebi.org