Egypt has expelled an Ethiopian diplomat in retaliating after Addis Ababa demanded the Egyptian envoy to leave the country.
The country assigned counsellor at its mission in Ethiopia to leave Cairo within 48 hours after the Ethiopian government sent senior Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman back with the same time limit. An Egyptian source called Ethiopia’s decision “unfortunate” and stated that their response was based on the norm of reciprocity.
The Egyptians expressed that they tend not to intervene in the internal affairs of other nations, and therefore, they did not understand the reason behind Addis Ababa’s decision. This decision came as the result of a diplomatic dispute between the countries. Ethiopia and Egypt have been in disagreement over the Renaissance dam on the Blue Nile for years. Cairo considers this dam to be a matter of interest to national security.
The diplomatic spat comes as regional security deteriorates in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia accused Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea of colluding to create an anti-Ethiopian alliance of TPLF rebels. Concurrently, Egypt and Sudan denied the accusations. The expulsion of diplomats followed a diplomatic crisis between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia closed its mission in Asmara and ordered the expulsion of ten Eritrean diplomats on Thursday.
In response, Eritrea broke off diplomatic ties with Ethiopia. These developments occurred against the backdrop of renewed hostilities in Ethiopia. Ethiopian government soldiers are advancing closer to the city of Mekelle while the TPLF threatens to retaliate.
The AU called upon Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Egypt to show maximum restraint. The continental body urged the three nations to settle their differences diplomatically and through peaceful negotiations. This diplomatic conflict adds to the tension in a region where hostilities have erupted in several countries.
