Ethiopia and Sudan shutter consulates amid mutual conflict accusations

Sudan has accused Ethiopia of providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in Sudan's ongoing civil war. In response, Ethiopia has levelled counter-accusations that Sudan is backing rebel forces operating in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, where a separate conflict has caused widespread devastation.

The mutual allegations have prompted both governments to take the diplomatic step of closing their consular operations. The move underscores deepening mistrust between Khartoum and Addis Ababa, reflecting how regional conflicts have become intertwined across the Horn of Africa.

Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict pits the military against the RSF in a struggle for control of the country. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Tigray conflict, which officially ended in November 2022 with a ceasefire agreement, has left the region facing acute food shortages and limited access to basic services.

The closure of consulates typically signals a breakdown in normal diplomatic channels between nations. The action restricts citizens' access to visa services and other consular functions, further complicating movement and commerce between the two countries. Regional observers are watching closely as the diplomatic rift between Sudan and Ethiopia could have broader implications for stability in East Africa and the Horn of Africa region.