Sudan’s military-aligned authorities have ordered Ethiopian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, retaliating against Addis Ababa’s expulsion of six Sudanese consular officials as tensions between the neighbours deepen.
Two Sudanese government officials confirmed the reciprocal measure on Wednesday, saying Ethiopian personnel stationed at the consulate in the eastern city of Gedaref had been declared persona non grata.
The decision followed Ethiopia’s order for six Sudanese officials to leave its western border city of Asosa, where Addis Ababa also moved to close Sudan’s consulate.
Reports indicated that three Ethiopian diplomats were affected by the retaliatory decision, although neither country’s foreign ministry had issued a formal public statement.
The escalating dispute could lead to further diplomatic measures.
Sources cited by Sudan Tribune said Port Sudan authorities were considering recalling Sudan’s ambassador to Addis Ababa, El-Zein Ibrahim, for consultations.
Sources in Ethiopia also raised the possibility of expelling the Sudanese ambassador and shutting down the country’s embassy in Addis Ababa.
However, no formal decisions on either measure have been announced.
The diplomatic confrontation follows accusations by Sudan’s military authorities that Ethiopia has provided logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and permitted drone operations against Sudanese electricity and fuel infrastructure from its territory.
Addis Ababa has denied supporting the RSF and has accused Sudan, Egypt and Eritrea of assisting armed groups fighting Ethiopian government forces, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The three countries have rejected the allegations.
The United States and the United Kingdom are reportedly attempting to ease tensions between the two governments, according to diplomatic sources cited by Sudan Tribune. Neither mediation effort has been publicly confirmed.
