Ethiopia and Eritrea sever diplomatic ties as federal forces are reported entering Tigray's capital Mekelle
3 October 2026
Ethiopia announced on 1 October 2026 that it was closing its embassy in Asmara and ordered 10 Eritrean diplomats to leave within 48 hours; Eritrea answered by cutting all diplomatic relations.
Fighting between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) erupted on 23 September 2026 across Tigray, Afar and Amhara, raising fears of a return to the 2020-2022 civil war.
AFP reported on 3 October 2026 that federal forces had entered Mekelle, the Tigray capital, after residents said the TPLF had abandoned the city; AFP also noted unverified reports that the city's airport had fallen to a pro-government militia the day before.
Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat and Egypt ordered an Ethiopian embassy official out in return; the two are at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile.
The break reverses 2018, when Prime Minister Abiy restored relations with Asmara after two decades of hostility.
In plain words
TPLF Tigray People's Liberation Front — The main anti-government group, based in the Tigray capital Mekelle.
GERD Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam — A hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile that Egypt fears will cut its share of Nile water.